NIST releases more development standards for smart electric grid

The National Institute of Standards and Technology released a report on Thursday that identified 15 new standards that will guide the development of the smart electric grid, which will use two-way communication systems to better monitor energy use to lower consumption. NIST pulled the standards from the Internet and telecommunications sectors to address the security of the smart grid and to ensure interoperability of software and hardware, which different vendors will provide. The standards are aimed at improving technical capabilities, energy management, data exchange, and interoperability of vendor products and networks. The 15 new standards were developed from public comments that were submitted on the 16 initial standards that NIST released in April. Many of the standards require revision, according to the draft release of the framework and roadmap for smart grid interoperability standards, and NIST will release an additional 46 standards for public comment to decide if they should be included on the list as well. The report also included 70 gaps and issues that require standards to find solutions to be developed. Releasing the report is part of Phase 1 of a three-phase plan NIST developed to accelerate the identification of standards and establish a framework for development of the smart grid.