NIST Announces Plan for Smart Grid Standards
A three-phase plan to expedite the development of key standards for a Smart Grid — a nationwide network that uses information technology to deliver electricity efficiently, reliably, and securely — was recently announced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
A three-phase plan to expedite the development of key standards for a Smart Grid — a nationwide network that uses information technology to deliver electricity efficiently, reliably, and securely — was recently announced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contains investments critical to spurring the Smart Grid development process. The Department of Energy is the lead agency on the federal Smart Grid effort, and NIST is charged with coordinating the development of standards for the project.
The three-phase approach will:
- Further engage utilities, equipment suppliers, consumers, standards developers and other stakeholders to achieve consensus on Smart Grid standards. By early fall, the process will deliver:
- The Smart Grid architecture
- Priorities for interoperability and cybersecurity standards, and an initial set of standards to support implementation
- Plans to meet remaining standards needs.
- Launch a formal partnership to facilitate development of additional standards to address remaining gaps and integrate new technologies.
- Develop a plan for testing and certification to ensure that Smart Grid equipment and systems conform to standards for security and interoperability.
After issuing the initial set of priorities, standards and action plans in early fall, NIST will initiate the partnership and complete a testing-and-certification plan by the end of the year.
Related Topics:
