The electricity grid is made up of a complex network of systems that all work together to deliver electric power to homes and businesses. As grid technology evolves, this industry is discovering better and more efficient ways to achieve that mission. It is essential that new systems continue to work seamlessly with the existing grid as well as with each other. This interoperability is critical to the developing smart grid.
The Internet was once a small, specialized network until interoperable standards such as HTTP, HTML and SMTP created exponential growth and brought us the advanced applications available on today’s web. The smart grid is now on a similar course. That’s why EnerNOC is playing a key role in smart grid standards development.
In its Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability Standards, Release 2.0, the National Institute for Standards and Technology defines interoperability as “the capability of two or more networks, systems, devices, applications, or components to exchange and readily use information—securely, effectively, and with little or no inconvenience to the user.” In other words, interoperability will facilitate the connection and exchange of more meaningful and actionable information between a variety of different systems.
Energy users want choice, and that choice extends from the building management systems in their facilities down to the mobile phones in their pockets. Interoperability and robust standards increase consumer choice, giving users the flexibility to select the products that best suit their needs. EnerNOC's hardware and software will support the latest specifications and standards, enabling easy connection and exchange of information with more customers and partners. This flexibility allows EnerNOC to communicate with a growing variety of equipment and add capabilities over time, creating a “future proof” solution for sophisticated energy management.
Program management should be about bringing benefits to energy users, not worrying about equipment specs. Strong standards across the smart grid help utilities design and manage energy-saving programs more cost-effectively. With reduced labor and equipment costs and better speed-to-market, energy users benefit from a strong, nimble, and interoperable grid.
EnerNOC is a member of several standards groups, including the OpenADR Alliance, the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel, and OASIS. Strong standards help us link up with more energy users on the grid, bringing the benefits of better energy management. Better standards allow more systems in the field to link into our software and systems, helping us work hand-in-hand with utilities and energy users to enable smarter energy usage across our global network.
EnerNOC is actively involved in the development of the following smart grid standards:
