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 three 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.

Masters of Arts in Economics Specialization in Public Utility Policy and Regulation: Offered through the Economics, Applied Statistics & International Business Department.

NMSU is the only university in the country that has both a NARUC-sanctioned industry training institute as well as a graduate degree program specific to public utilities regulation. The input the CPU receives from individuals currently “in the trenches” allows this program to be continually updated to reflect real world conditions and applications.

The CPU’s Advisory Council, comprised of regulatory utility commissioners and utility directors, gives valuable input into the content of CPU programs. The council also serves as a conduit for procuring permanent employment for NMSU graduates with a MA in economics and a specialization in public utility regulation. In the end, this produces a graduate up-front skills needed to make an immediate contribution to the employer. Over 150 graduates are working in well-paid professional positions within the utility industries and federal and state regulatory agencies. The vast majority of these graduates are native New Mexicans.

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