Winter Summit Program - NARUC Policy Meeting Schedule

📅 Published: January 31, 2026 ✍️ By: NARUC

NARUC Winter Policy Summit Program

The Winter Policy Summit program offers an intensive schedule of educational sessions, committee meetings, policy discussions, and leadership activities that shape the regulatory landscape for the coming year.

Program Highlights

Leadership & Governance

The Winter Summit includes critical governance activities:

  • Election of NARUC officers including President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President
  • Selection of committee chairs and vice chairs
  • Adoption of annual budget and strategic priorities
  • Appointment of task force leadership

Policy Resolution Process

A central feature of the Winter Summit program is the development and adoption of policy resolutions. Committees draft resolutions addressing federal legislative and regulatory matters, which are debated and voted on by the full membership.

Educational Programming

The Winter Summit features comprehensive educational content across all utility sectors:

Energy Track

  • Grid modernization strategies and smart grid technologies
  • Renewable energy integration and storage solutions
  • Resource adequacy and capacity market design
  • Electric vehicle infrastructure and rate design
  • Transmission planning and cost allocation

Gas Track

  • Pipeline safety regulations and integrity management
  • Gas distribution infrastructure replacement programs
  • Supply planning and demand forecasting
  • Renewable natural gas and hydrogen blending
  • Rate design for declining use per customer

Telecommunications Track

  • Broadband deployment in rural and high-cost areas
  • 5G network infrastructure and small cell deployment
  • Universal service fund reform
  • Intercarrier compensation and access charges
  • Consumer protection in competitive markets

Water Track

  • Infrastructure financing mechanisms and rate structures
  • Water conservation programs and drought management
  • Emerging contaminants and treatment technologies
  • Consolidation of small systems
  • Stormwater management and green infrastructure

Special Sessions

The Winter program includes special sessions on cross-cutting topics:

  • Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: Protecting utility systems from cyber threats
  • Climate Resilience: Adapting infrastructure to extreme weather events
  • Regulatory Innovation: Performance-based regulation and alternative frameworks
  • Consumer Affordability: Low-income assistance programs and rate design
  • Utility Financial Health: Credit ratings, capital access, and financial metrics

Federal Agency Participation

Senior officials from federal regulatory agencies participate in panel sessions and briefings:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) updates
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiatives
  • Department of Energy (DOE) programs and funding opportunities
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulatory developments
  • Department of Transportation pipeline safety priorities

Stakeholder Input Sessions

The program provides structured opportunities for utility companies, consumer advocates, environmental organizations, and technology providers to present perspectives on regulatory issues.

Professional Development

Training workshops help commissioners and staff build expertise in core regulatory competencies including rate case analysis, utility accounting, cost allocation, and regulatory economics.

Networking & Collaboration

Scheduled breaks, receptions, and meals are integrated into the program to facilitate relationship-building and informal knowledge sharing among regulatory professionals.