Public Utility Research Center (PURC)

Congratulations to our 2026 PURC graduates, Andre Chelle and Fátima Palacios Figueroa, from the University of Florida!! 👏🎉

Andre earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing and a Minor in Artificial Intelligence, while Fátima graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Minor in Mathematics!

We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and all they’ve accomplished during their time with PURC. It’s been a pleasure to have them as part of our team, and we’re excited to see all the amazing things they will do next.

Thank you, Andre and Fátima, for your contributions to PURC. Congratulations! 🎓🐊

Student Research Spotlight ✨🐊
UF students aim to create a first-of-its-kind public dashboard to track statewide AI rulemaking

UF students aim to create a first-of-its-kind public dashboard to track statewide AI rulemaking The future of AI regulation isn't being decided in a boardroom; it’s being mapped in a classroom. At the University of Florida Public Utility Research Center in the Warrington College of Business, undergraduate students are using AI to track more than 1,000 new laws attempting to govern the techno...

Why Tech Firms Are Working With Trump on Data Centers and Energy Costs

The White House has floated a new plan to try to ease voter concerns over the A.I. boom’s effect on electric bills. But it won’t be easy to put into practice.

Read more below:

Why Tech Firms Are Working With Trump on Data Centers and Energy Costs The White House has floated a new plan to try to ease voter concerns over the A.I. boom’s effect on electric bills. But it won’t be easy to put into practice.

The 53rd Annual PURC Conference was an incredible success! ⚡

This year’s theme, Future-Ready Florida: Utilities in a Digital Era, brought together industry leaders, regulators, and experts to explore how emerging technologies are reshaping the utility landscape. Conversations throughout the conference highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, the increasing demand for reliable power, and the strategies organizations and regulators must adopt to navigate both new opportunities and evolving risks.

We were honored to open the conference with a keynote from Carlos Gomez, Vice President of Global Partners and Strategic Software Alliances at Baker Hughes, who shared insights on how rapid technological innovation is transforming how energy is generated, managed, and optimized.

Congratulations as well to this year’s award recipients:
🏆 Cayce Hinton, recipient of the Gerald L. Gunter Distinguished Service Award, and
🏆 David E. Dismukes, recipient of the PURC Distinguished Service Award.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for two days of insightful discussion as we continue working toward a future-ready utility industry. 💡

🌍 Reflecting on the 56th PURC/WB International Training Program 🌍
As we close out an inspiring week of learning and collaboration, several themes stand out as essential to effective regulation and utility strategy:

✅ “There is no one-size-fits-all solution to regulatory challenges.” Effective regulation must adapt to local conditions while drawing on global expertise.
✅ “No challenge has a single formula for resolution.” Regulatory work is inherently complex and requires both technical understanding and strategic judgment.
✅ “We live in a small world of shared issues.” Despite differences across countries, many regulatory problems are strikingly similar, making cross-border engagement invaluable.
✅ “Embrace regulatory humility.” Our knowledge is always limited, so decisions must emphasize learning, listening, and adapting.
✅ “Stakeholders must be allowed a voice.” Trust is built when all perspectives are heard and balanced, especially in difficult moments.

At the core of it all, effective regulation is about relationships, engagement, and continuous learning. We’re grateful for the insights shared and the global connections built.

🎉 The 56th PURC/WB International Training Program has officially come to a close! 🎉
We wrapped up last week with an exceptional cohort of 42 participants. From dynamic discussions on market reform and rate design to a hands‑on negotiation exercise, the week was packed with insight, collaboration, and meaningful exchange.

Working with such a skilled and diverse group of professionals was truly a highlight. Thank you for your energy and engagement. We are excited to stay connected and to watch your future achievements unfold!!

Our PURC Leadership Workshop was a success! A powerful one‑day session where participants explored the mindsets, skills, and behaviors that define strong leadership in utility policy. 🐊🏅

Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to such a meaningful and engaging experience.

Our Cases in Building Regulation Panel brought together an outstanding group of experts: Silvia Alvarado de Cordoba, Roxana Barrantes, Raj Barua, and Kevin Webster. They shared valuable insights and real‑world perspectives. 👏🙌

🌍 The 56th PURC/World Bank International Training Program is in full swing, and the energy has been incredible!
Participants have been immersed in engaging case studies, collaborative problem‑solving, and insightful discussions on competition, market reform, financial techniques, and the evolving landscape of utility regulation.

The exchange of ideas has been inspiring, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum together.