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ExpectMore.govExpectMore.gov home pageEXPECT FEDERAL PROGRAMS TO PERFORM WELL, AND BETTER EVERY YEAR.
 
Program Assessment

Program

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Electric System Research and Development

The program modernizes the Nation's electric transmission and distribution system by enhancing its reliability, efficiency, security and environmental integrity. R&D is focused on improving grid stability, reducing disturbances and energy loss, improving asset utilization, and accessibility to varied energy sources.

Rating

What This Rating Means

PERFORMING
Moderately Effective

In general, a program rated Moderately Effective has set ambitious goals and is well-managed. Moderately Effective programs likely need to improve their efficiency or address other problems in the programs' design or management in order to achieve better results.
  • The program addresses a specific and existing problem and need. R&D performed addresses electrical delivery system aging infrastructure, lack of real-time information, and reaction time to disturbances.
  • In pursuit of an ultimate goal of 1 million amp-meters, the program has increased performance of first generation wire from 250 amp-meters measured in 1990 to 300,000 amp-meters in 2000. For second generation wire, the program has increased the performance from 122 amp-meters measured in 1999 to 22,149 amp meters in 2005.
  • The Electric System R&D program is heavily earmarked by Congress, which reduced the program's effectiveness. In FY 2006, 46 percent of the R&D funding was earmarked by Congress.

Improvement Plan

About Improvement Plans

We are taking the following actions to improve the performance of the program:

  • Developing guidance that specifies a consistent framework for assessing the costs and benefits of research and development investment proposals, and using this information to guide budget decisions.
  • Continuing to work with Congress to reduce earmarking.

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