The drive for a nationwide smart grid network is now being supported by the American National Standards Institute, private non-profit organization coordinating the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system. The smart grid network is a planned network which incorporates both information and communication technologies which allows two-way flow of both energy and communications. The nationwide network is a priority with the Obama Administration and will deliver electricity in an efficient, reliable, and secure manner.

In a release, Rik Drummond, chair of the SGIP Testing and Certification Committee, said that, “The SGIP testing and certification committee is very pleased that ANSI is offering accreditation services to support the implementation of the IPRM V2 facilitating enhanced product quality across the electric power industry.”

The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP), which is a collaborative effort between the private sector and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has announced the release of the version 2.0 for the testing and certification framework of the North American electric power industry. The framework which has been designed based on suggestion from ANSI, explores, and presents avenues which can help in the further optimization of the quality, interoperability, and security of smart grid products which can help in effectively reducing costs for their installation within the smart grid.

Lane Hallenbeck, ANSI vice president for accreditation services, said that, “Accreditation by ANSI enhances the credibility and value of this interoperability process by attesting to the competence and qualifications of certification bodies. The Institute brings many years of experience and broad government recognition in delivering quality accreditation programs. As the nation takes steps to modernize the grid, ANSI looks forward to contributing its expertise in supporting the integrity of this important national priority.”

The Interoperability Process Reference Manual (IPRM) lays out different processes and procedures that drive market confidence for products via testing and certification steps. ANSI which is the first U.S. signatory to the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) supporting product certification is a dedicated party for the deployment and recognition of the IPRM framework as an international accrediting organization.

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