Industry Challenges

The electricity industry is increasingly pressured to invest billions in new and upgraded power plants, transmission lines and distribution networks. At the same time, investors, regulators and customers expect—and sometimes demand—that utilities improve reliability, comply with evolving regulations, and maintain affordable electricity. These challenges create tension for electricity industry stakeholders as important decisions must be made to keep the lights on for current and future generations.

By aligning research and development with these paradoxical issues, resulting technological and scientific innovations can contribute substantially to the best, affordable solutions. EPRI’s leadership team and staff have spent significant time developing a portfolio that focuses on six essential industry challenges:

Energy Efficiency Manage power more efficiently along the delivery chain Renewable Resources and Integration Deploy renewable resources and integrate them with the grid Long-Term Operations Extend the operating life of today's assets Smart Grid Economically and technologically create the smart grid Near-Zero Emissions Deploy capital, manage costs, and navigate markets and mandates to achieve near-zero emissions Water Resource Management Produce ever more electricity using ever decreasing amounts of water