NRECA's Cooperative Research Network (CRN) monitors, evaluates and applies technologies that help its member co-ops control costs, improve productivity, deliver superior service and keep up with emerging technologies.
To achieve these goals, CRN seeks to partner with other organizations (e.g., the Electric Power Research Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy) to research and develop new products and services. CRN transfers knowledge to its members through online and printed studies, reports, newsletters, Web conferences, seminars and presentations at events.
Membership in CRN is voluntary, and includes generation and transmission co-ops and distribution co-ops. Six member advisory boards ensure that CRN members have a voice in research-project selection, funding and organizational policy.
CRN currently is focusing its research efforts in six critical areas:
- Clean coal and environmental-management technologies
- Renewable and alternative energy
- End-use solutions that help the customer make better use of electricity
- Distribution system operations best practices
- Broadband communications and information technology
- Transmission capacity and security