The Automation Federation is pleased to announce a noteworthy recognition of its founding member, ISA. The ISA99 Manufacturing and Control Systems Security Standard and ISA100 Wireless Systems for Automation, the emerging standard for industrial wireless, have been identified for use in the Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Roadmap for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). This recognition is a result of Automation Federation efforts to drive home the message that automation standards and automation professionals are vital to the future of Smart Grid.
Under the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, 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 …" As a result, NIST awarded EPRI a contract to engage Smart Grid stakeholders and develop a draft interim standards roadmap. In addition, NIST has hosted a year-long planning effort to develop the Smart Grid interoperability framework – an effort in which the Automation Federation has taken part.
Through active engagement in NIST Domain Expert Working Group (DEWG) activities, EPRI led workshops, and other industry planning activities, Automation Federation representatives have stressed the importance of the use of recognized standards like ISA99 and ISA100 and the involvement of automation professionals in the successful implementation of Smart Grid. To learn more about ISA99, visit www.isa99.org; ISA100, www.isa100.org; and other ISA developed standards, www.isa.org/standards.
EPRI defines Smart Grid, in their report, as “a modernization of the electricity delivery system so it monitors, protects, and automatically optimizes the operation of its interconnected elements—from the central and distributed generator through the high-voltage network and distribution system, to industrial users and building automation systems, to energy storage installations, and to end-use consumers and their thermostats, electric vehicles, appliances, and other household devices.”
This definition lends strength to the Automation Federation’s efforts to ensure the use of internationally recognized standards, like those developed by ISA, and the vital involvement of automation professionals to the success of the Smart Grid framework development, implementation, and maintenance.
NIST will review the comments received in this interim report from EPRI, including the comments on the use of these ISA standards. The Automation Federation will continue to engage in the framework development process to ensure that appropriate standards are included in the final framework that will be adopted by NIST. Read the report, developed and delivered to NIST by EPRI, at http://www.nist.gov/smartgrid/.
Leo Staples, Automation Federation energy committee chair, said, “I am pleased that EPRI recognizes the value of incorporating ISA standards into the NIST Smart Grid framework. We will continue to work through the process to ensure that appropriate standards, including these ISA standards, are a part of the final framework.”
About Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public. An independent, nonprofit organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI also provides technology, policy and economic analyses to drive long-range research and development planning, and supports research in emerging technologies. EPRI's members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to 40 countries. EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass. To learn more, visit www.epri.com/.
About National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. To learn more, visit www.nist.gov.
About ISA
Founded in 1945, the International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in North America. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).
About Automation Federation
The Automation Federation is a global umbrella organization under which member associations and societies engaged in manufacturing and process automation activities can work more effectively to fulfill their missions, advance the science and engineering of automation technologies and applications and develop the workforce needed to capitalize on the benefits of automation. The Automation Federation is working to become the “Voice of Automation.” For more information, visit www.automationfederation.org.
