NIST Issues First Release of Framework for Smart Grid Interoperability

The Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued an initial list of standards, a preliminary cyber security strategy, and other elements of a framework to support transforming the nation's aging electric power system into an interoperable Smart Grid, a key component of the Obama administration's energy plan and its strategy for American innovation. The new report presents the first release of a Smart Grid interoperability framework and roadmap for its further development. It contains:

• a conceptual reference model to facilitate design of an architecture for the Smart Grid overall and for its networked domains;
• an initial set of 75 standards identified as applicable to the Smart Grid;
• priorities for additional standards—revised or new—to resolve important gaps;
• action plans under which designated standards-setting organizations will address these priorities; and
• an initial Smart Grid cyber security strategy and associated requirements.