Continuing Property Records & Fixed Asset Accounting | UtilityEducation.com
FERC & RUS Accounting  ·  Intermediate

Continuing Property Records: Mastering Fixed Asset Accounting

Streamline CPRs · Improve Rate Accuracy · Reduce Complexity

Learn how to consolidate continuing property records without changing general ledger balances, improve cost-of-service outcomes, and reduce the accounting burden of maintaining excessive CPR detail.

★★★★★ 5.0
1.00 CPE Hour Self-Paced Video Intermediate Level NASBA Registered
Watch Free Lesson Preview
Lesson 1 — Welcome to Foundations of Fixed Asset Accounting · Opens in course platform
$127
One-time enrollment  ·  12-month access
Enroll Now — $127
This Course Includes
  • 11 lessons · self-paced video
  • Downloadable PDF & Excel materials
  • CPR consolidation calculation examples
  • Journal entry templates
  • NASBA-compliant final exam (5 questions)
  • Certificate of completion (1.00 CPE)
1.00
CPE Hour
3
Modules
11
Lessons
5.0
Average Rating
1,000+
Professionals Served
About This Course

Turn Asset Detail into Clarity—and Better Rate Results

Continuing property records are the foundation of utility plant accounting—but too many CPRs create unnecessary complexity without adding value. This course teaches you how to reduce CPR counts using calculated unitization factors that preserve general ledger balances while dramatically simplifying your fixed asset records.

You'll learn the journal entries required to consolidate CPRs, how to explain the process to accounting, construction, and engineering stakeholders, and how streamlined plant records translate directly into cleaner depreciation studies and more defensible cost-of-service outcomes.

Applicable to both FERC and RUS regulated utilities, this course gives you a practical, step-by-step framework you can put to work immediately.

Who This Course Is For
  • Utility and co-op accountants managing fixed asset records
  • Controllers and CFOs overseeing plant accounting
  • Rate and regulatory staff preparing cost-of-service studies
  • Engineering and construction staff involved in asset recording
  • Anyone responsible for FERC or RUS plant accounting compliance
Your Instructor

Russ Hissom, CPA

RH
Russ Hissom, CPA
Principal, UtilityEducation.com  ·  30+ Years of Utility Accounting Experience

Russ Hissom, CPA is a principal of UtilityEducation.com, providing on-demand professional education in FERC, RUS, FASB, and GASB accounting, finance, and ratemaking for electric utilities and cooperatives. With over 30 years of hands-on industry experience, he brings real-world expertise to a modern learning platform trusted by more than 1,000 professionals.

Learning Objectives

What You'll Be Able to Do After This Course

Identify the basic information required for maintaining continuing property records (CPRs)
Explain the information needs of accounting, construction, and engineering departments related to CPRs
Apply methods to reduce CPR counts to a level that supports a more efficient business process
Perform the calculations used to reduce CPR counts without changing general ledger balances
Prepare the journal entries required to consolidate CPRs
Demonstrate the impact of reducing CPR counts on cost-of-service studies and rate outcomes
Reduce CPR counts, record the required journal entries, and clearly demonstrate the impact of streamlined CPRs on cost-of-service studies
Detailed Curriculum

Inside the Course

Module 1 Welcome & Course Overview

Orientation to the course, learning objectives, and downloadable course materials.

  • 1. Welcome to Foundations of Fixed Asset Accounting Free Preview
  • Lesson Menu / Index
  • 2. Course Overview
  • 3. Course Learning Objectives
  • 4. Course Materials Download
Module 2 The Importance of CPRs for Accounting & Ratemaking

Understand why CPR quality directly affects customer rates, how to consolidate records using unitization factors, and how to record the required journal entries—without touching general ledger balances.

  • 5. CPRs as a Foundation for Customer Rates
  • 6. Review Questions
  • Thought Break
Module 3 Course Wrap-Up & Final Exam

Review key takeaways and pass the final exam to earn your 1.00 CPE certificate.

  • 7. Course Summary & Key Takeaways
  • 8. Course Evaluation
  • 9. Final Exam
Course Accreditation
NASBA QAS Self Study
Course #AT-7
Program LevelIntermediate
Area of StudyAccounting – Technical
DeliveryQAS Self Study
PrerequisitesNone
Adv. PreparationKnowledge of FERC or RUS accounting
Exam Questions5
Passing Grade70%
Last Reviewed8/1/24
1.00
NASBA CPE Credit
What Our Students Say

Trusted by Over 1,000 Utility Professionals

★★★★★

"I did not have a lot of knowledge about utility construction accounting or standard units, but this course was a good overview of the process and very understandable to a newbie."

— Matt
★★★★★

"This was an incredible overview! I cannot wait to share this with others. I LOVED how you explained things. You have great speaking and explanation skills."

— Nicole
★★★★★

"Russ was great and explained everything really well — someone who has actually been in the industry. I will be taking more courses!"

— Kritant
★★★★★

"Good basic understanding of RUS and the chart of accounts. I came from outside the utility world and was quite lost. This class helps provide a basic foundation."

— Julie
★★★★★

"Great training for our Board members."

— Noah
★★★★★

"Was a quick, easy and great information!"

— Mary
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included and how long do I have access?
All video lessons and course downloads are included. Course access is for 12 months from the date of purchase. Materials are available in PDF and Excel formats.
Will reducing CPR detail create issues with audits or regulators?
No. When done correctly, fewer CPRs improve clarity and consistency while still meeting FERC and industry documentation requirements.
Do we have to change general ledger balances to reduce CPRs?
No. The course shows how CPRs can be consolidated using calculated unitization factors without changing total general ledger balances.
How does CPR consolidation affect depreciation studies and rate cases?
Streamlined CPRs improve plant data quality, reduce noise in depreciation analysis, and lead to more stable and defensible cost-of-service results.
Is this applicable to both FERC and RUS utilities?
Yes. The principles apply to both FERC and RUS accounting frameworks and can be tailored to your utility's specific regulatory environment.
Are courses eligible for NASBA CPE credits?
Yes. This course is approved for 1.00 CPE credit through NASBA. Upon passing the final exam (70% or better), you'll receive a Certificate of Completion that meets NASBA documentation standards.
Where does the course content come from?
Content is drawn from industry best practices and the instructor's direct experience working with utilities and cooperatives across the United States and Canada.
What if I have more questions?
We welcome your questions anytime. Email russ.hissom@utilityeducation.com or call 608-628-4020.
Continue Your Development

Related Courses

Enroll Today

Turn Asset Detail into Clarity

Join over 1,000 utility and co-op professionals building practical accounting skills that improve rate outcomes.

NASBA CPE Sponsor Logo

Utility Accounting and Rates Specialists, LLC 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 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: NASBAregistry.org.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Requests for refunds must be made in writing within 30 days of purchasing the course. No refunds will be granted after the qualified assessment has been completed. For any concerns, please contact us at 608-628-4020 or at russ.hissom@utilityeducation.com.

Legal Note

Course materials are provided for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute legal, accounting, or professional advice. © 2026 Utility Accounting & Rates Specialists, LLC. All rights reserved.