How does EPRI measure the effectiveness of new power technologies?

EPRI measures the effectiveness of new power technologies primarily through pilot projects and case studies. This approach allows for a hands-on evaluation where new technologies can be tested in real-world settings, giving valuable insights into their performance, operational challenges, and potential benefits. Pilot projects enable EPRI to gather data and feedback from specific implementations, which can then be analyzed to assess the technology's effectiveness under various conditions.

Case studies complement this by providing comprehensive analyses of specific projects, detailing successes and failures, and offering broader context for decision-makers. By utilizing these methods, EPRI not only verifies the technological performance but also identifies best practices and areas for improvement. This practical application and systematic evaluation ensure that the introduced technologies are both viable and efficient, aligning with EPRI's mission of promoting innovation in the electric power sector.

The other options suggest methods that are either too limited or not comprehensive enough to fully evaluate technology effectiveness. Relying solely on customer feedback or historical performance would not capture the dynamic nature of newly introduced technologies, which often require direct and contemporary evidence from actual implementations to assess their true impact and utility in today's energy landscape.