2026 Project Set Rollouts

Transmission system owners and operators face the dual challenge of managing today's power system while also planning for tomorrow's. Decarbonization drives fundamental changes in electricity supply, including increasing variable and energy-limited resource levels and declines in dispatchable synchronous generation. Electrification and AI are increasing the demand for electricity, requiring additional measures and methods to ensure reliability, while increasing the emphasis on resilience to extreme events. At the same time, new and emerging technologies such as AI, Grid Enhancing Technologies and Flexible Demand, can be leveraged to support grid operations and planning.

The 2026 Portfolio of Research in EPRI's Transmission Operations and Planning area is designed to answer these questions. We encourage you to watch the videos to understand more about the research priorities for 2026 and how we deliver research so that electric companies can use the research.

Transmission Operations (Program 39)

P39 Projects

Program 39: Transmission Operations Rollout Overview

EPRI’s 2026 Transmission Operations program will enhance grid reliability using AI, advanced analytics, and improved voltage and outage management in high-IBR systems.

PS39A: Real-time Operations and Situational Awareness

Plan is to improve operator tools, training, and decision-making through AI, while advancing data models, technology integration, and process frameworks to support evolving grid needs.

PS39B: Volt/Var Management and Power Flow Control

We will improve voltage control tools, assess large load impacts, and support integration of advanced grid technologies for more reliable operations.

PS39C: System Restoration and Emergency Operations

Will strengthen grid restoration and resilience by integrating inverter-based resources, enhancing situational awareness, and addressing cyber and operational risks.

PS39D: Operations Planning and Engineering Support Studies

In 2026, EPRI will improve grid operations by optimizing outage scheduling, enhancing forecasting accuracy, and refining operational models for better reliability and efficiency.

PS39E: Monitoring, Analysis, and Control Using Synchrophasors

Enhance real-time grid monitoring and control by improving oscillation detection, inertia estimation, AI-based analytics using synchronized measurements and integrating WAMS/WAMPAC systems with EMS.

Transmission Planning (Program 40)

P40 Projects

Program 40: Transmission Planning Rollout Overview

Will support planners with practical guidance while advancing long-term research in modeling, protection, planning methods, specialized assessments, and emerging analytics.

PS40A: Model Development, Validation, and Management

In 2026, we will develop and validate models for emerging loads and technologies, assess their grid impacts, and provide industry guidance to support accurate and reliable transmission planning.

PS40C: Methods and Frameworks for Advancing Transmission Planning

Strengthen transmission reliability planning by improving machine learning case selection, advancing risk and cascade analysis, integrating resilience & climate risks into long-term expansion planning

PS40D: Special Assessments Supporting Transmission Planning

We plan to enhance transmission planning by refining tools for GMD, harmonics, EMT, and SSO analysis, with a focus on automation, AI, and inverter-based resource impacts.

PS40E Analytics for Emerging Transmission Planning Needs

Continue to develop automated tools and frameworks to streamline power system planning, focusing on reliability, HVDC integration, grid-enhancing technologies, and hosting capacity analysis.

Bulk System Integration of Renewables and Distributed Energy Resources (Program 173)

P173 Projects