Electric Power Research Institute
The Northeast blackout of 1965 was the largest electricity blackout in history, leaving more than 30 million people without power up to 13 hours. The U.S. Congress became worried about electric system dependence and how little planning and research and development was taking place in the industry.
Discussions led to the formation of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in 1972 as a non-government collaboration between electric utilities across the United States. EPRI represents utilities that provide more than 90 percent of the electricity generated in the United States and in more than 30 countries worldwide. EPRI conducts research, development, and demonstrations for the electric power industry relating to generation, delivery, and the use of electricity for the benefit of customers.
PNM has worked with EPRI for many years to help us be aware of and understand advances in the electricity industry. Results include the production of cleaner electricity, more reliably.
Electric industry research can be very expensive. Collaborative projects with EPRI help lower both technical and financial risk. The learning from projects and research on other utility grids benefit PNM greatly.
The electricity industry is changing rapidly, with renewable energy, electric vehicles, smart grid, and environmental controls for power plants. Collaboration with experts from EPRI and those at energy providers across the country and globe helps provide improved operations and efficiency for PNM customers.