Electric Power Research Institute releases insights into sustainable electric power efforts

The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) recently announced the publication of a book that compiles more than 40 first-hand accounts of efforts to pursue sustainability in the electric power industry while considering economic, environmental and social tradeoffs.

“Sustainable Electricity II: A Conversation on Tradeoffs” includes insights from power companies, investors and environmental advocates on sustainability initiatives, regulatory considerations and the balance required to produce electricity sustainability.

“The challenge of balancing conflicting sustainability priorities is not new, but the need for tangible solutions is pressing,” EPRI Senior Technical Executive Jessica Fox said. “This book comes during a significant industry transition to new energy system operations and business models. It can help advance an informed conversation regarding which tradeoffs are acceptable, particularly when an ‘everyone wins’ scenario is elusive.”

The book came out of the discussions of EPRI’s Energy Sustainability Interest Group, a global collaborative examining corporate-level electric power industry sustainability issues and challenges. Fox and EPRI Senior Project Manager Morgan Scott edited the final manuscript.

“We’ve learned the value of real-life stories in demonstrating how we’re working to achieve balance among our stakeholder groups, including the tradeoffs involved in providing sustainability information” Rick Smith, contributing author and director of Environmental Strategy and Analysis at Ameren Corporation, said. “The stories shared demonstrate the importance of creativity, innovation, and planning in resolving the many challenges facing electric power companies.”

In 2016, EPRI released Sustainable Electricity: Case Studies from Electric Power Companies in North America, which provides insights into actions and processes for advancing sustainable electricity in North America. It includes case studies of how companies have balanced competing priorities and highlighted best practices for achieving measurable goals.