EPRI's trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, affordable, and equitable access to electricity across the globe.
Rooted in science and rigor, EPRI collaborates with scientists, engineers, government, and experts from academia and industry to shape and drive technology advancements by pushing the frontier of innovation from concept, pilot, operation to end-of-life.
Our mission is accomplished by an extensive researcher network and a comprehensive advisory structure. Our portfolio of research programs is defined and guided by advisors from both industry and public stakeholders. More than 1,400 leaders and technical experts from the electricity sector, academia, and government help EPRI develop and conduct its research, deliver results, and provide for technology transfer and the application of research findings.
Our History
In November 1965, the Great Northeastern Blackout left 30 million people in the United States without electricity, starkly demonstrating the nation’s growing dependence on electricity and vulnerability to its loss. It marked a watershed for the U.S. electricity sector and triggered the creation of EPRI. Although power was largely restored within 12 hours, the blackout prompted public and political scrutiny that continued for years.
Leaders in the U.S. Congress were troubled by the nation’s dependence on a fragmented, critical industry for which there was no unified planning and research. Dr. Chauncey Starr answered the call from Congress to create an independent research and development organization to support the electricity sector and address its technical and operational challenges.
At a formal hearing of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, he presented his vision for EPRI in serving its mandate for objective, scientific research. Much has changed in the electricity industry with advances in such technologies as renewable energy, environmental controls, and the smart grid.
EPRI meets traditional and emerging challenges with technological innovation, thought leadership and technical expertise. Our research portfolio addresses a range of issues that change with the times and the technology, even as the underlying expectations remain constant for electricity that is clean, reliable, affordable, and resilient.
