In April 1974, EPRI tasked Exponent (formerly Failure Analysis Associates) to develop improved failure analysis and prevention methods to increase the reliability and safety of light water power reactor systems that were being used by public and private utilities. The program was aimed at reducing the incidence of malfunctions that resulted in power outages and at preventing low-probability, catastrophic events such as rupture of pressure vessels or turbine bust. A failure analysis database was developed that would identify generic problems, provide component failure rates, and help focus development efforts. Simultaneously, the root causes of known issues were being assessed to provide understanding that was used to reduce future risks and to guide product improvement to eliminate those issues. Exponent also evaluated the materials, design and fabrication technologies used to construct reactor pressure vessels, piping, and turbines. Finally, exponent developed combined engineering, statistical, and inspection methodologies to better assess and minimize risk. This work was expanded to non-nuclear power generation issues. Exponent has contributed to the evaluation of many major generic problems that the electric power industry has faced, and helped to developed new and improved tools to better understand, quantify, and to improve reliability.