Research Program

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Research Areas

PSERC’s comprehensive research program is organized into three core areas designed to address the evolving needs of modern electric energy infrastructure:

Power Markets

Research in Power Markets focuses on the design, analysis, and operation of electricity markets. Key topics include:

  • Impacts of greenhouse gas policies on power systems
  • Integration of wind generation with controllable load and storage
  • Demand response strategies for renewable integration
  • Interactions between energy and environmental policies in transmission-constrained markets

Power Systems

Power Systems research aims to improve the efficiency, reliability, and performance of increasingly complex grid systems. Areas of focus include:

  • Transmission solutions for renewable energy integration
  • Energy storage integration with renewables
  • Special protection schemes and system resilience
  • Advanced visualization using PMU and synchrophasor data
  • Real-time security assessment and smart grid interoperability

Transmission & Distribution Technologies

This area explores innovative technologies to enhance transmission and distribution (T&D) system performance. Research includes:

  • Advanced substation design
  • Smart grid communication requirements
  • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as energy storage
  • Distribution system modernization
  • PMU and intelligent electronic device interoperability
  • Micro- and nano-dielectric materials for utility applications

Leveraged Research

Through strong collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners, PSERC conducts research that extends the impact of member support.

Future Grid Initiative (2016)

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, this project – The Future Grid to Enable Sustainable Energy Systems – examined how to integrate high levels of renewable energy while maintaining grid stability, reliability, and efficiency. The initiative also fostered collaboration across academia, industry, and government to shape the future electric grid.

CERTS Program (2009-2015)

The Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS), established in 1999, focused on developing tools and technologies to enhance the reliability of the U.S. electric power system. Supported by the DOE and the California Energy Commission, CERTS brought together PSERC researchers with leading national laboratories, including:

For more information see the Phase I report (2009-2013) and the Phase II report (2014-2015).