Public Utility Accounting (CPE Course)

CPE Credit: 2 hours

Course Type: Downloaded PDF materials with online test

Price (with PDF Textbook): $25


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Course Description
The accounting for a public utility is tightly regulated, since the resulting information is used to develop rates for its customers. In the Public Utility Accounting course, we discuss the chart of accounts to be used, as well as the use of work orders, retirement units, and continuing property records. The course also addresses asset retirement obligations, plus the proper accounting for operating expenses, materials and supplies inventory, payroll, bond transactions, unbilled revenue, and much more. The course is designed to give the accountant a detailed look at the accounting requirements for a public utility.


Author: Steven Bragg

Course Number: AC1144

Learning Objectives

  • Recall the type of fund within which a public utility’s activities are recorded.

  • Identify the source, usage, and contents of the Uniform System of Accounts.

  • Specify the characteristics of a capital asset.

  • Recall the rules for recognizing the cost of plant.

  • Recall the accounting for an asset retirement.

  • Specify the accounting rules for the capitalization of financing costs.

  • Identify the different types of assets within a public utility.

  • Recall the contents of continuing property records.

Level: Overview

Instructional Method: QAS Self-Study

NASBA Category: Accounting

Prerequisites: None

Advance Preparation: None

Latest Revision Date: February 2024

Program Registration Requirements: Click on "Purchase Course" near the top of this page to pay for and access the course. You will then be able to download the course as a PDF file, then take an on-line examination, and then download a certificate of completion if you pass the examination.

Program Refund Policy: For more information regarding administrative policies concerning complaints, refunds, and other matters, see our policies page.


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AccountingTools, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

The NASBA sponsor identification number for Accountingtools, Inc. is 115881.


AccountingTools is an IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider. We are compliant with the requirements for continuing education providers (as described in sections 10.6 and 10.9 of the Department of Treasury’s Circular No. 230 and in other IRS guidance, forms, and instructions). Our IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider number is 72821.