Business

The Public Utility Research Center (PURC)
http://purc.ufl.edu

The Public Utility Research Center at UF is an internationally recognized academic center dedicated to research and providing training in utility regulation and strategy, as well as the development of leadership in infrastructure policy.

Founded in 1972, the Public Utility Research Center is located in the Warrington College of Business Administration at the University of Florida. PURC strives to enhance the understanding of issues confronting public utilities and regulatory agencies through conferences, seminars and training programs; through research covering the energy, telecommunications, and water sectors, and by preparing students for careers in infrastructure industries.

PURC is in collaboration with an extensive network of utility and regulatory experts around the world to connect theory and practice in ways that extend their understanding of these sectors; PURC delivers training programs in Florida, the nation, and around the world.

PURC educational activities include:

PURC/World Bank International Training
This intensive two-week program on utility regulation and strategy is collaboration between PURC and The World Bank. The program is designed to enhance the economic, technical, and policy skills required to design and manage sustainable regulatory systems for infrastructure sectors.

PURC Annual Conference
PURC annual conference has served as a neutral forum for engaging dialogue about issues facing utility service providers, policymakers and regulatory agencies. The February event in Gainesville brings together key leaders in industry and academia, primarily from Florida and the Southeast.

Training programs abroad
PURC’s tailored programs teach the principles and practices that support effective utility policy, regulation, management, and leadership. With these tools, we help government and industry officials develop efficient utility infrastructure to better meet the needs of their customers.

Various workshops and roundtables
These events provide a lively exchange of ideas among communications providers, government leaders, academicians, consumer group representatives, and others regarding policy issues facing the industry.