Europe has undertaken the great task of integrating the energy markets at the continental level. Much progress has been achieved thanks to comprehensive policy and regulatory efforts put forth to coordinate the objectives of all market participants in an open, fair and sustainable competitive market. Energy companies, Transmission System Operators, distribution utilities and every market agent has been tasked to align local policies and regulatory frameworks with a more and more comprehensive European regulatory framework that fosters cross-border exchange and cooperation.

FSR Summer School on Regulation of Energy Utilities will provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive view of the key regulatory principles, actions and implications of the current regulatory framework, highlighting the key challenges for the alignment of the industry with the policy goals of sustainability and security of supply.

The Summer School balances theory with practice with key practical case examples illustrated directly by the agents and decision-makers involved, including former and current energy regulators, renowned academics and professionals from leading energy companies.

The aim of the training is:

• To provide a comprehensive view of the institutional structure for energy regulation and policy making in Europe
• To contrast the electricity and gas industries recognizing the common and particular challenges that each sector is expected to face towards the completion of the European internal energy market
• To explore in depth the characteristics of the electricity and gas markets in Europe providing practical examples from Europe, North and South America
• To illustrate the European strategy for infrastructure development for gas and electricity through regulation and financing
• To demonstrate the challenges and new opportunities provided by the retail markets, active consumer participation and demand as valuable counterpart in the balancing of the system
• To discuss mechanisms to support renewable energy and ways of their development

• Theory and principles of regulation
• Restructuring of the power industry
• Traditional regulation
• Regulating quality of service
• The Price Coupling of Regions for the European electricity market
• Electricity transmission and distribution networks
• Renewable energy support mechanisms and electricity tariff design
• Retail electricity markets
• Gas markets and infrastructure

After completing the course the participant will be able to:

• Differentiate the European regulatory and policy making structure for the electricity and gas sectors.
• Assess the current state of implementation of the electricity and gas markets in the roadmap to  the internal energy market.
• Distinguish the particularities of the North and Latin American energy markets in comparison with the European energy sector (market and infrastructure.)
• Characterize the European regulatory framework for electricity and gas infrastructure.
• Recognize the challenges behind the implementation of retail markets, identifying the key ingredients needed for a successful retail market with active consumer participation.
• Identify the basic principles for implementation of support mechanisms and new tariff designs.

The course starts from basic introductory material and then aims to cover the major subjects of energy regulation in depth. Instructors will provide a lecture focusing on the key theoretical concepts complemented by real and current examples from the industry. Interactive tools and activities involving the participants are utilized to enhance the discussion and improve the learning experience.

Lectures will be held from Monday to Friday.

The Summer School is a highlights training giving participants an introduction to the topic with the newest updates from the field. The Highlights trainings give you an introduction to the topic with the newest updates from the field.

• Take your first step into energy regulation.
• Gain an understanding of key concepts.
• Cover the most essential and interesting topics.

The training is designed for professionals from energy companies and representatives from National and European Regulatory Authorities, but also academics and researchers. The training is open for those looking to develop a career in the energy regulation sector of the gas and electricity industry.

No specific academic background is required although the knowledge of engineering or economics is recommended.

A basic knowledge or experience in energy regulation or policy making is expected from the participants.

The training is given in English.

Please note that only a selected number of participants will be admitted. Participants will receive a response regarding their admission soon after the registration deadline. 

The European Distribution System Operators’ Association (E.DSO) and the Florence School of Regulation (FSR) have the pleasure of announcing the call for the 10th Ana Aguado Scholarship Award.

Under this joint initiative, two student Scholarships are offered by the above-mentioned Partners for participation in the Summer School on Regulation of Energy Utilities held by the FSR in Florence from 29 June to 3 July 2026. Travel and accommodation expenses are also covered. Information on last year’s edition is available here.

The Partners will allocate five other candidates ranked after the two winners with the opportunity to attend for free one FSR online community training courses of their choice. These five free seats will be valid for courses starting between April 2026 and July 2027.

Applications Requirements

1. Curriculum Vitae
   Maximum 2 pages.
2. Short Essay
   Maximum 4,000 characters (including spaces) in Word or OpenOffice format.
   Topic:On 16 July 2025, the European Commission published its proposal for the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, with a total value of nearly EUR 2 trillion—approximately 1.26% of the EU’s average gross national income over the period. This long-term investment budget aims to support the EU’s strategic objectives, including the dual goals of decarbonisation and competitiveness, as highlighted in the Draghi Report. EU funds will flow to Member States to help achieve these goals. In your view, what should be the investment priorities in the MFF to advance the clean transition and strengthen EU competitiveness? Have EU funds been used in your country in the past to support these objectives? If so, provide a brief example and explain whether you believe the use of funds has been effective in promoting decarbonisation without undermining competitiveness.

3. Short Essay Developing Notes
   Maximum 100 words per question; key points may be presented in bullet points.
   a. Briefly explain how you developed your Essay, including your initial ideas, your search for sources, and how you structured your arguments.
   b. If you use generative AI, please acknowledge it properly by specifying how and for what purpose it was used. Make sure to assess any AI-generated information critically, and ensure all content remains original and reflects your own understanding.
4. Personal Motivation Pitch Video
   Maximum 1 minute duration
   Explain in a short video your reasons for interest and the role this course could play in your educational and professional development. The video should be informal and catchy. It will be used internally only for the purpose of this Scholarship among the Partners and will be deleted at the end of the selection process. You can record the video with your smartphone.

Please note that any candidate not respecting the maximum length of the CV, Short Essay, Developing Essay and Pitch Video will be excluded from the selection process.

Applications Criteria

• Ongoing or completed university education at Master’s Level in Economics, Engineering, European/International policy/relations/law or similar;
• Proven interest in the energy sector and familiarity with energy policy issues;
• Fluent in English (the FSR course will be taught in English);
• Not more than 3 years’ work or research experience in the energy sector by 1 January 2026.

Candidates should meet all the criteria. If just one of the criteria is not met, candidates will equally not be considered as eligible.

Assessment Process

Send your applications via email by 8 February 2026 midnight (24H00 CET).

A Committee composed of representatives from the above-mentioned Partners will assess all applications received and select the Scholarship winners by 31 March 2026 at the latest.

The two Scholarship winners will be also invited to attend the LUCE Awards 2026 scheduled in Florence in 14 May 2026 , where the winners will be publicly announced. Travel expenses for the participation and accommodation will be covered.

Each year, the Florence School of Regulation – Energy and Climate (FSR Energy & Climate) awards scholarships for a wide variety of training courses targeting a broad audience of professionals and academics.

Applications will be assessed by a Selection Committee of FSR members on a yearly basis. The successful candidates will be informed after February 2026 and will be provided with all relevant information on how to enroll in the online course or residential training of their choice.

Send your application by 25 January 2026.

Find more information here

Fees

• General fee: 4,510 EUR
• Associate Donor 10%: 4,059 EUR
• Major Donor 20%: 3,608 EUR
• Star Donor 25%: 3,382 EUR

The fee includes participation in the training, coffee breaks, lunches, aperitivo, and dinner. Travel and accommodation expenses are not included.

Group discounts are not available for this course.

Cancellation Policy

Paid registration fee is non-refundable. However, registrant substitution may be made up to 20 days before the start date of the course. 

For more information, please read the full FSR cancellation policy.

FAQs Invoicing and Payment Process

Please arrange your travel and accommodation as soon as possible as Florence is very popular in this period.

The fee covers participation in the training, coffee breaks, lunches, and any meals or social activities outlined in the event programme. Travel and accommodation costs are not included.

This is a fully residential training course, and classes will be held in Florence on 29 June – 3 July 2026.
By submitting your application, you are committing to pay the corresponding fee.

Event venue
Teatro
Badia Fiesolana,
Via dei Roccettini 9,
I-50014 San Domenico di Fiesole (FI)

How to reach the venue
Information to reach the venue available at this link.