Smart Grid technology standards announced

US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced significant progress that will help expedite development of a “smart” electric power grid. After chairing a meeting of industry leaders at the White House, Locke and Chu detailed the first set of standards that are needed for the interoperability and security of the Smart Grid.

A Smart Grid would employ real-time, two-way communication technologies to allow users to connect directly with power suppliers. Once implemented, the Smart Grid is expected to save consumers money and reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by improving efficiency and spurring the use of renewable energy sources. Before it can be constructed, however, there needs to be agreement on standards for the devices that will connect the grid.

The initial batch of 16 NIST-recognized interoperability standards will help ensure that software and hardware components from different vendors will work together, while securing the grid against disruptions. The selected standards , which span areas ranging from smart customer meters to distributed power generation components to cyber security, are listed on the NIST website, www.nist.gov/smartgrid/ standards.html.