Improvements in this infrastructure could be achieved through innovations in software, hardware, materials, sensors, communications and operating strategies. Therefore, a central goal of this research stem is the improvement of transmission and distribution systems through the application of technological advances. The challenge is to develop new operations frameworks and approaches that will effectively cope with the growing complexity of a restructured industry. Systems research concentrates on operation of such complex, dynamic systems in general and power systems in particular. Each research stem has a committee that organizes the research activities of that stem.
Industrial members join researchers on the committees.
PS ERC faculty are working with researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories and Southern California Edison. Through PS ERC , industrial members can contribute to advancing the knowledge needed to address the challenges facing the industry and to educating the students that will become the next generation of industry professionals. PS ERC membership is open to companies, government agencies, associations and other organizations with interests in the electric power industry. Current membership comes from multiple sectors in the industry, both domestic and international. Members join PS ERC by signing a membership agreement with the Cornell University, the lead PS ERC university.