Smart Grid Standards Draft V 2.0

Smart Grid Interoperability Standards

Under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has "primary responsibility to coordinate development of a framework that includes protocols and model standards for information management to achieve interoperability of smart grid devices and systems..."

NIST is well-suited for this role. The agency has earned a reputation as an "honest broker"—an impartial, technically knowledgeable third party with a long history of working collaboratively with industry and other government agencies. These partners include DOE and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

NIST also has provided measurement technology and assistance to utilities, equipment manufacturers, and other power-system stakeholders. It participates in key international standards organizations, and NIST's measurement and testing expertise is recognized worldwide.

NIST also has collaborated with businesses and standards organizations on guidelines and standards to protect industrial supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and to secure their interfaces to the power grid. NIST know-how extends to standards and measurements for building control systems and their links to the grid.

The Smart Grid will be key to national efforts to further energy independence and curb greenhouse gas emissions, and NIST is carrying out its responsibilities with a sense of urgency. With industry, government, and consumer stakeholders, NIST is expediting identification and development of standards critical to achieving a reliable and robust Smart Grid.