The Financial Research Institute (FRI) was established in 1988 at the University of Missouri to promote education, research and service across various areas of finance. Today, the FRI, through its public utility division, provides a neutral environment for stakeholders in the regulated public utility industry to come together to examine, understand, and debate current issues relating to public utility policy. The FRI Public Utility Symposium, held in the fall, examines issues that impact consumers, industry, and regulators. Held on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, MO, this one-day symposium brings together regulators and commission staff, legislators, utility managers, policy analysts, attorneys, consumer advocates and academics. The FRI Advanced Pricing Seminar, held in late spring, brings together range of industry experts to discuss issues around industry innovation, dynamics, and pricing in the electric industry. The FRI has State Commission Board representation from 17 US States, including Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgie, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, and Oklahoma. The FRI Advisory Board was established in 1988 as an essential component of the FRI. The advisory board includes regulators, industry executives, and consumer representatives. The Board provides financial assistance, offers professional advice, and identifies the FRI's strategic direction. The FRI is housed in the Division of Applied Social Sciences at the University of Missouri in Columbia.