Back to Spring Institute Courses
Timing / Location
All courses will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando hotel.
Wednesday, May 7
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Course Overview
Utility construction is one of your utility's major activities and significantly impacts developing equitable rates for your customers. This interactive online course covers basic and intermediate utility work asset management accounting concepts and applications. The course builds on the foundation of the Public Utility Accounting course.
Learn how to coordinate operations and finance processes to account for projects accurately. Work through the necessary steps to report utility construction costs and differentiate between capital and maintenance costs. Apply the framework of the work order process to capital budgeting. Learn about practical industry processes and recent trends in streamlining fixed asset accounting. Understand the connection between work order accounting and customer electric rates.
Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of APPA’s Utility Work Order Accounting Guidebook publication.
Course Topics
- Work order and asset management processes and the importance of accurate plant accounting and reporting
- Accounting for utility construction and impacts on customer rates
- Accounting standards that apply to work order accounting
- Using construction standards and compatible units
- Evaluating construction accounting business processes
- Developing overhead rates
- Allocating interdepartmental costs in a multi-service utility
- Unitizing construction costs and closing work orders
- Developing capital budgets and capital retirement accounting
- Closing the information gap between the field and the office
- Evaluating current work order processes and identifying areas that need attention
Sample Agenda/Learning Outcomes
View a sample agenda and learning outcomes from the 2024 version of this course [PDF].
Course Level / Advance Preparation
Basic/Intermediate: No prerequisites; no advance preparation. Some knowledge of FERC accounting is helpful, which is taught in APPA’s Public Utility Accounting course.
All materials will be handed out on-site in the classroom. Participants will receive an email one week in advance of the course with logistical information.
Technology Requirements: none
Delivery Method / Learning Environment
This course is a group-live offering and includes lecture style teaching, case studies, whole class and small group discussion and sharing, quizzes, as well as Q&A sessions.
Accreditation
The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing the course (view “accreditation” drop down below to review requirements). Certificates will be available by June 6.
- Recommended CEUs .6/PDHs 6/CPEs 7.2
Field of Study: Accounting
Recommended for
Designed for utility accounting, finance and operations personnel who are part of the work order process.
Often taken in conjunction with APPA's Public Utility Accounting (May 5 – 6) and Advanced Public Utility Accounting (May 8 – 9) courses. Bundle all three to save! |
Instructors
Russ Hissom, CPA, is a consultant for Baker Tilly and principal of Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists. Russ has over 35 years of power and utilities accounting and finance experience (serving co-oops and municipal utilities across the U.S. and Canada) including: rates and accounting consulting, expert witness testimony, financial audits, and author and educator. His goal is to help organizations deliver effective and reliable utility services to customers by maximizing the efficiencies in accounting, rates, and business processes. Russ is an instructor for several APPA Academy courses and a frequent speaker at national industry.
Dan La Haye, CPA, is a Director with Baker Tilly and has been with the firm for over 13 years, serving on the energy and utilities team, and specializes in providing auditing, accounting, and consulting services to utilities around the country.
Dan’s areas of expertise include conducting financial risk assessments and internal control evaluations; preparing financial forecasts, cash flow projections and rate studies for utilities; assisting clients with implementing new Governmental Accounting Standards Board standards; and providing recommendations for process improvements and efficiencies. Dan is also involved in number of electric, water, and wastewater organizations, and is a member of AICPA and several state accounting associations.
About Baker Tilly
Dedicated entirely to energy and utility service providers, Baker Tilly’s specialized energy and utility team of more than 70 professionals currently works with more than 600 public utilities, including 115 public power utilities with audit and consulting services. We are ranked as the 10th largest accounting and advisory firm in the United States. Baker Tilly is a strong supporter of the public power industry and APPA and we regularly speak at APPA conferences and provide accounting training at APPA’s Education Institutes as well as in-house training at public power utilities.
Baker Tilly authors many industry whitepapers and articles on utility accounting topics, including the latest versions of APPA’s Utility Work Order Accounting and Advanced Utility Accounting publications. Additional Information: https://www.bakertilly.com/industries/energy
Pricing
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Through April 4 |
After April 4 |
Individual Course |
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$795 |
Accounting Bundle** (save $300!) |
$2,785 |
$3,085 |
*Nonmember pricing is double the member rate. | ||
**The Accounting Bundle includes registration fees for all 3 classes in the track: Public Utility Accounting, Electric Work Order & Fixed Asset Accounting, and Advanced Public Utility Accounting. |
See registration tab for more details and information on group discounts.
Questions?
Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
Program/Content: EducationInfo@PublicPower.org
Hotel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org
Registration
Register now!
Registration Assistance: Review registration FAQs or contact Registration@PublicPower.org
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Registration received by April 4 |
Registration received after April 4 |
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Members | Others | Members | Others | |
Accounting |
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Accounting Bundle: three courses (save $300) | $2,785 | $5,870 | $3,085 | $6,170 |
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$1,195 | $2,390 | $1,295 | $2,490 |
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$695 | $1,390 | $795 | $1,490 |
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$1,195 | $2,390 | $1,295 | $2,490 |
Cost of Service & Rate Design |
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COS/Rates Bundle: three courses (save $300) | $2,285 | $4,870 | $2,585 | $5,170 |
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$695 | $1,390 | $795 | $1,490 |
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$695 | $1,390 | $795 | $1,490 |
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$1,195 | $2,390 | $1,295 | $2,490 |
Underground Distribution |
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Underground Bundle: two courses (save $200) |
$2,590 | $5,180 | $2,790 | $5,380 |
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$1,795 | $3,500 | $1,895 | $3,600 |
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$995 | $1,900 | $1,095 | $2,000 |
Leadership Training/Certificate Program* | ||||
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$2,900 | $5,800 | $3,000 | $5,900 |
*The certificate registration fee includes everything you need to participate in and graduate from the program: registration for the in-person courses, program enrollment fee, materials, post-course project review, and graduation plaque. |
Group Registration Discounts
Save money on each registration when your organization registers five or more people for the same class. The larger your group, the more you save! Registrations must be submitted on the same order (at the same time) to qualify for the group discount; discounts cannot be retroactively applied to previous orders. If you need assistance, contact Registration@PublicPower.org.
Number of registrants | Class Discount (per person) |
1-4 | n/a |
5-9 | $50 |
10-14 | $100 |
15-24 | $150 |
25+ | $200 |
Cancellations/No-Show/Refunds/Substitutions
Registrants who cancel in writing on or before April 28, 2025, are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $100 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after April 28 will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel by April 28 are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund. If APPA cancels a course, you will receive a full refund.
- Cancellation requests should be made through your My.PublicPower portal, or addressed to: Registration@PublicPower.org or by emailing Registration@PublicPower.org.
- For more information regarding refund, complaints and program cancellation policies, please contact EducationInfo@PublicPower.org.
Travel Arrangements/Hotel Parking
Travel arrangements and costs associated with hotel parking are the responsibility of the participants. APPA will not reimburse for changes in travel expenditures regardless of the cause.
Meals
A light breakfast, afternoon snack, and beverage breaks are included in the registration fee. All other meals are on your own.
Internet Access
WiFi may only be available in hotel common areas (sleeping rooms and hotel lobby), though may not be available in APPA meeting rooms. Please make arrangements to use cellular data on your device or bring a MiFi or Internet hotspot for personal use. APPA will not provide a password for WiFi.
Name Badges
Name badges can be picked up at the APPA registration desk at the hotel starting at 7:30 a.m.
Code of Conduct
Participants agree to abide by the APPA Code of Conduct. If participants engage in unacceptable behavior as outlined in the code, APPA may take any action it deems appropriate, including but not limited to, expulsion from the current and future meetings, with no warning or refund.
Contact Us
- Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Hotel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
- Program/Content: EducationInfo@PublicPower.org
- Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org
Hotel
Hotel Information
The 2025 Spring Education Institute will take place at the:
Hyatt Regency Orlando
9801 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
Reservations
- Phone: (402) 593-5048 (reservations); (407) 284-1234 (main hotel line)
- Group Rate: $239 (Single/Double) per night (plus State and Local Taxes)
- Room Rate Cut-off Date: April 14
- Online Reservation Link
- Group Code: G-APPA
Logistics
- Check-in: 4 p.m.; Check-out: 11 p.m.
- Valet Parking: Valet Parking $50/overnight; Self-Parking $35/overnight
Please note: It is possible that the block of rooms could sell out prior to April 14, so make your hotel reservations early.
Reservations & Cancellations
Please contact the hotel directly to reserve and manage your reservation. If you need assistance making reservations, contact Meetings@PublicPower.org.
Internet Access
WiFi may only be available in hotel common areas (sleeping rooms and hotel lobby) and will not be available in meet¬ing rooms. Please make arrangements to use cellular data on your device or bring a MiFi or Internet hotspot for personal use. APPA will not provide a password for WiFi.
Location
All courses will be held in the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The hotel is located about 13 miles from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Please contact the hotel for transportation options.
Travel Arrangements/Hotel Parking
Travel arrangements and costs associated with hotel parking are the responsibility of the participants. APPA will not reimburse for changes in travel expenditures regardless of the cause.
Accreditation
Earn While You Learn!
Participate in APPA programs to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs).
What educational credits are available?
You can earn the following kinds of continuing education credits for attending live virtual and in-person sessions—provided the following requirements are met:
Requirements for Successful Completion: In-Person
- Attendees must sign in each day, attend (and participate) in the entire course and complete an evaluation form at the end of class
- Partial credit cannot be given for partial attendance
- Attendance is monitored by an APPA staff member and the instructor
- Completion certificates will be added within 4 weeks to member profiles on the APPA website (for those who meet the requirements)
Continuing Education Units (CEUs): The American Public Power Association is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. For information regarding certification status, attendance requirements and obtaining attendee transcripts, contact EducationInfo@PublicPower.org or 202-467-2965. Verify our IACET Accreditation.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits: The American Public Power Association is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.NASBAregistry.com. Unless noted, there are no prerequisites for the courses offered and no advance preparation is required. Courses are group-internet based offerings at the basic program level (unless otherwise noted). Credit hours and areas of study for the courses are listed on the individual course pages. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as clarification of requirements, complaints, and refunds, please contact EducationInfo@PublicPower.org.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs): The American Public Power Association’s educational practices are consistent with the criteria for awarding Professional Development Hours (PDHs) as established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Course eligibility and number of PDHs may vary by state.
Questions?
- Schedule/Content/Accreditation: EducationInfo@PublicPower.org
Additional Information
What to Bring
If you are enrolled in one of the following courses, please note the items to bring with you. If your course is not listed, you do not have to bring anything.
- Advanced Public Utility Accounting
- Encouraged to bring: A copy of your annual financial statement. Instructors will answer your questions on presentation and application of accounting policies and practices.
- Encouraged to bring: A copy of your annual financial statement. Instructors will answer your questions on presentation and application of accounting policies and practices.
- Cost of Service Workshop
- Required to bring: A laptop with Excel and PowerPoint, to work through in-class exercises.
- Required to bring: A laptop with Excel and PowerPoint, to work through in-class exercises.
- Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design:
- Required to bring: A scientific calculator or smart phone calculator app
- Required to bring: A print copy (or have access to a digital copy) of the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) to reference during class
- Encouraged to bring: Interesting underground distribution photos as well as their underground distribution design guides and standards to share
Class Start/End Times
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday May 7 |
Thursday May 8 |
Friday May 9 |
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Accounting |
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Public Utility Accounting |
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | |||
Electric Work Order & Fixed Asset Accounting | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | ||||
Advanced Public Utility Accounting | 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | |||
Cost of Service & Rate Design |
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Basic Cost of Service & Key Financial Concepts | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | ||||
Strategic Rate Design: Trends and Distributed Generation Impacts | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | ||||
Cost of Service Workshop: Implementation and Applications | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | |||
Underground Distribution |
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Underground Distribution Systems |
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | ||
Advanced Underground Distribution Systems | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | |||
Leadership Certificate | |||||
Leadership Essentials Certificate Program | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Registration/Name Badges
Name badges can be picked up at the APPA registration desk at the hotel starting at 7:30 a.m.
Meals
Breakfast, beverage breaks, and a light afternoon snack are included in the registration fee. All other meals are on your own.
Dress Code
The attire for the Institute ranges from business casual to casual—whatever you're comfortable in. Meeting room temperatures vary, so prepare to dress for cool conditions.
Travel Arrangements/Hotel Parking
Travel arrangements and costs associated with hotel parking are the responsibility of the participants. APPA will not reimburse for changes in travel expenditures regardless of the cause.
Where and when are the next Education Institutes?
Spring Institute
May 4 – 8, 2026
San Antonio, Texas
Contact Us
- Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
- Program/Content: EducationInfo@PublicPower.org
- Hotel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
- Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org