The U.S. Departments of Energy and Commerce (DOE/DOC) have announced the first set of smart grid standards. With $10 million in funding provided by the stimulus package, this initial set of 16 standards, recognized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), covers a broad range of smart grid technology including smart meters, security, and distributed power generation.
Standardization is the first challenge that must be met if the Obama administration’s vision of a national smart grid in America is ever to be realized. Obama wants to roll out smart grid technology that will generate energy savings for consumers and producers and will reduce polluting carbon emissions. Standards will ensure that a smart grid component will operate as it was designed no matter where it was installed. Standards guarantee interoperability.
The first set was agreed upon through consensus by participants in the Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Interim Roadmap which was held last month. The NIST was first charged with responsibility for smart grid standardization under the Bush administration in 2007. The standards were announced on May 19.
A second workshop was underway this week with the goal of publishing a standards roadmap by September of this year. “The Smart Grid is an urgent national priority that requires all levels of government as well as industry to cooperate,” said Energy Secretary Steven Chu. “I’m pleased that industry leaders stepped forward today and are working with us to get consensus. We still have much to do, but the ultimate result will be a much more efficient, flexible power grid and the opportunity to dramatically increase our use of renewable energy.”
