About the Electric Power Systems Partnership

Established in 1999, the SF₆ Emission Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems is a collaborative effort between EPA and the electric power industry to reduce sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) emissions through voluntary cost-effective technical and management solutions.

SF₆ is a highly potent greenhouse gas that is used in the electric power systems industry for insulation and current interruption in electric transmission and distribution equipment. To learn more about SF₆ gas, visit SF₆ Basics.

EPA uses voluntary program initiatives in tandem with regulatory programs to protect public health and the environment. Through public-private partnerships, EPA helps businesses take action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. These programs have additional benefits such as improving energy efficiency, spurring investments in climate-friendly technologies, and saving industry and consumers money. Visit EPA’s Voluntary Partnership Program Accomplishments to learn more on the progress voluntary programs have made collectively since 1992.

Under the Electric Power Systems Partnership, EPA shares information on best management practices and technical solutions to help reduce emissions. Some cost-effective options to reduce SF₆ emissions are leak detection and repair, use of recycling equipment, and employee education and training.

Reducing SF₆ emissions helps electric power systems:

• Save money: Purchasing SF₆ can be expensive, so reducing emissions can save money.
• Increase grid reliability: Use of improved SF₆ equipment and management practices helps protect system reliability and efficiency.
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: SF₆ is the most potent greenhouse gas known. It is 23,500 times more effective at trapping infrared radiation than an equivalent amount of CO₂ and stays in the atmosphere for more than 1,000 years.