52nd Annual PURC Conference

for Utility Service Providers, Policymakers, and Regulators

Resilient Infrastructure in a Changing World: Technology, Policy, and Preparedness

February 19 – 20, 2025
Hilton University of Florida (1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville)

Registration opens at 1pm on Wednesday and the conference begins at 1:30pm. The program concludes following lunch on Thursday.

Utilities and their regulators are facing unprecedented challenges for ensuring resilient energy and water utility services. Accelerating use of artificial intelligence in infrastructure and across the economy is creating opportunities for new efficiencies and enhanced service, as well as new complexities. Demand for power and water is increasing at extraordinary rates. Are we up for these challenges?

This event will bring together government officials, utility executives, and industry leaders to address investment strategies for capacity expansion, the effective use of AI, and cutting-edge approaches to cybersecurity. Please join us for the 52nd PURC annual conference where attendees will gain practical insights and actionable strategies to strengthen utility infrastructure and meet future demands.

• What are the demands of growing use of AI and other technologies?
• What are the tradeoffs for industry and regulators?
• What are the growing interdependencies between broadband, energy, and water infrastructures? Are Florida policies ready for the emerging paradigm?
• What are the adaptive challenges for regulators, policy makers, and service providers?
• What do these changes mean for customers, especially traditionally marginalized groups?

Registration Fees

Early Registration on or before January 27, 2025: $250
Regular Registration January 28, 2025 or later: $300
Complimentary registration is offered to all UF Faculty, Students, and Staff

Registration includes:

• Reception (hors d’oeuvres, beer & wine) – Wednesday evening
• Breakfast – Thursday
• Conference Luncheon – Thursday
• Continuous beverage service and snack breaks

Hotel Information

The conference is hosted at the Hilton University of Florida – 1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, Florida. Registration opens at 1pm on Wednesday and the conference concludes following lunch on Thursday. A conference rate, $149 plus tax per night, is available for attendees. Reserve your room online or by calling reservations at (352) 371-3600. Reservations must be made by January 22, 2025 to secure the discounted rate.

Continuing Education Credit

PURC is registered with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation as a provider of continuing professional educations programs. Each year, we apply to the DBPR for technical business CPE credit for conference sessions, as well as to the Florida Bar for general CLER credit for Florida law practitioners.

Questions?

Contact the conference manager, Rebecca Beachy, via email or at +1 352-392-3655.

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PURC Distinguished Service Award

Each year at the PURC Annual Conference, PURC honors an individual who has contributed to the understanding of regulatory economics and finance. The PURC Distinguished Service Award recognizes the cumulative impact of an individual’s research and policy analyses on both the academic community and regulatory policymakers.

• Past PURC Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Gerald L. Gunter Distinguished Service Award

The Gerald L. Gunter Distinguished Service Award is presented jointly at our Annual Conference by PURC and the Florida Public Service Commission. It recognizes a Public Service Commission employee who has made a significant contribution to the development of regulatory policy.

The award is named after the late FPSC Commissioner Gerald L. Gunter, who was especially supportive of the relationship between the University and the Florida PSC. After his death in June 1991, the Gerald L. Gunter Memorial was established by his friends and colleagues. In addition to the Gunter Award, financial gifts enabled the establishment of the Gunter Professorship in the Warrington College of Business. Mark Jamison serves as the Gerald L. Gunter Professor of research in regulatory policy.