NIST Unveils Framework for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards

October 9, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS

This draft report supports interoperability throughout the smart grid system, including everything from large utility companies to individual homes and electronic devices.

The report incorporates input from more than 1,500 industry, government and other stakeholders who participated in the NIST framework development process.

The NIST draft includes:

• A basic set of standards for interoperability and security, identifying roughly 80 specific standards and specifications to support the smart grid.
• The 14 "priority action plans" that describe what is being done to fill gaps where additional or revised standards are needed.

  These outline areas include plug-in electric vehicles, home energy management systems and distributed intelligence aimed at keeping the grid from developing problems before they arise.

  Each plan identifies standards organizations responsible for addressing them, a recommended approach and timelines to develop solutions to these needs.

• A summary of a separate NIST cyber security strategy, which aims to protect the smart grid against the modern threat of cyber attack.

Phase 1 - the engagement of stakeholders in a participatory public process to identify applicable standards and gaps in currently available standards and priorities for new standardization activities - ends with the final publication of the framework report after public comments are incorporated.

Phase 2 will establish a private-public partnership and forum to drive longer-term progress. NIST is using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds to establish the panel by the end of 2009.

Phase 3 will develop and implement a framework for testing and certification of how standards are implemented in smart grid devices, systems and processes. NIST will consult with industry, government and other stakeholders to develop a plan for a testing and certification framework by the end of 2009 and take steps toward implementation in 2010.

The results of NIST's ongoing work on standards for the smart grid also provides input to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act is charged with instituting rulemaking proceedings to adopt the standards and protocols necessary (once sufficient consensus is achieved) to ensure smart grid functionality and interoperability in interstate transmission of electric power and in regional and wholesale electricity markets.

For more information, read NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 1.0.

Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).