Public Utility Accounting  (virtual)

Course Overview

This foundational course is designed around the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Uniform System of Accounts (USoA), covering every relevant FERC account. Review the proper usage of each account, the role of accounting in public utilities, preparation of FERC-based income statements and balance sheets, the supporting charts of accounts, and proper coding for all FERC account activities. Learn about the role of accounting in public utilities, FERC accounting procedures, the uniform systems of accounts, and utility accounting subsystems. 

Review a FERC Income Statement based off of a test case and then apply your knowledge during an in-class exercise, which addresses the proper coding for all FERC account activities. The instructor will also compare and contrast how investor owned utilities utilize the system vs. municipal utilities. Attendees will receive a complimentary digital copy of APPA’s Public Utility Accounting publication.

Course Topics

• Accounting for operating revenues and expenses 
• Introduction to utility property and plant accounting 
• Introduction to FERC uniform system of accounts 
• Applicability of generally accepted accounting principles to public utilities 
• Financial statement structure and presentation 
• Capital vs. expense determination 
• Allocation of indirect or common costs 
• Accounting for unbundled services 

Who Should Attend?

Those who are new to public utility accounting practices or unfamiliar with the FERC accounting structure. This class is also useful for other utility staff—including management, technical personnel, and policymakers—looking to understand how accounting processes impact employees and various utility operational areas, the financial implications of capitalization vs. expense, etc. 

Registration Info

Provider: American Public Power Association (APPA)

Date: Tuesday, April 27, Thursday, April 29, Tuesday, May 4, and Thursday May 6, 2021

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time

Length: 4 days

Capacity: minimum of 16 attendees to start the class; no maximum

Estimated Enrollment Fee

SCPPA MEMBER RATE (per attendee)

$625

(NOTE: the actual cost will be based on the final number of attendees and billed directly to the respective utilities. SCPPA Members do not need to make any payments online.)  

Accreditation

The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing all four live sessions and filling out an online evaluation after each session. Completion certificates will be emailed out within a week of the last session. Sessions will be recorded, though certificates can only be awarded to those who participate in all four live events.

• Recommended CEUs .9/PDHs 9/CPEs 10.8 
• Field of Study: Accounting