Center for Public Utilities (CPU)

A branch of the College of Business at New Mexico State University since 1978, the CPU provides training programs and current policy issues conferences to meet the needs of professionals employed at federal and state commissions, utility companies, and other stakeholders in the electricity, natural gas distribution, interstate pipeline, water utility and telecommunications industries. The CPU is one of only four university centers with programs endorsed by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

The CPU is completely self-funded through conference and training program fees and by industry sponsorships. Over 450 people per year — from all 50 states as well as many foreign countries — attend the CPU training courses and current issues conferences held in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. See a list of our sponsors and information on how to become a sponsor.

The faculty working in the CPU have decades of hands-on experience in the regulatory arena including policy rulemaking proceedings, rate cases, and other contested matters before federal and state commissions. The CPU strives to become the leader, keeping industry and commissions in tune with the ever-changing market realities and challenging regulatory policies.

The CPU’s Advisory Council, comprised of regulatory utility commissioners and utility directors, gives valuable input into the content of CPU programs. 

Offered through the Economics, Applied Statistics & International Business Department:

NMSU is the only university in the United States that has both a NARUC-endorsed training programs as well as graduate degree programs with a concentration in public utilities regulation. Both the Graduate Certificate PURE and the MA in Economics with a Public Utility Policy & Regulation concentration are offered to remote students who attend class via the internet.

MA in Economics for Remote Students (Distance Ed Option): Beginning Fall 2020, we will offer an option for remote students to complete our MA in Economics with a Concentration in Public Utility Policy & Regulation by attending classes via the internet. For most courses, remote, distance education students attend class at the same time as in-class students. The PURE graduate certificate program has been completed by remote students in this fashion for many years. Please contact Dr. Larry Blank for more information: Larryb@nmsu.edu 575-642-6148.

Over 150 graduates are working in well-paid professional positions within utility companies and government regulatory agencies.

Contact Us

Center for Public Utilities
MSC-3MPD
Guthrie Hall, Room 400
New Mexico State University
PO Box 30001
Las Cruces, NM 88003

Call 575.646.4876, email cpustaff@nmsu.edu or contact any of the following staff members:

Dr. Doug Gegax, Director, dgegax@nmsu.edu
Dr. Larry Blank, Associate Director, larryb@nmsu.edu
Cindy Blume, Program Manager, cblume@nmsu.edu
Jeanette Walter, Advisory Council Co-Chair, jeawalte@nmsu.edu