In the power industry, energy efficiency involves getting the most usable energy out of the fuels that supply the power plants. At its best, energy efficiency in the power industry can lead to postponing—or altogether avoiding—the construction of new power plants.

Developing advanced technologies to strengthen our Nation’s electric energy infrastructure is the mission of DOE’s Distributed Energy and Electric Reliability Program, managed by the  Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  The Program conducts research, development, demonstration, technology transfer, and educational activities in partnership with industry, utilities, state agencies, universities, national laboratories, and other stakeholder organizations.

The Program addresses distributed generation¾using small units that generate electricity at the site where it is consumed¾as well as an array of transmission, distribution, storage, and demand management technologies that can improve the reliability, efficiency, and performance of the power grid.

Renewable technologies, such as related to solar, geothermal, bioenergy, wind, hydropower, and hydrogen, are also playing an increasingly significant role in power generation.

The Department's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability is leading the national effort to modernize the electric grid, enhance security and reliability of the energy infrastructure, and facilitate recovery from disruptions to energy supply. New technologies being developed in high temperature superconductivity will cut energy losses by half with its high-temperature superconducting electric power prototypes.