The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) strengthened cooperation for research, development and deployment of energy technologies aimed at promoting increased energy efficiency. DOE and EPRI yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework for close coordination to advance the common goal of satisfying the nation’s growing electricity needs by improving energy efficiency and promoting the widespread adoption of electric energy demand response programs in an effort to curtail energy use during peak periods.