Debate: Paths to Interoperability

Event Over

Interoperability is a key lynch pin of Smart Grid success. The promised Smart Grid benefits cannot materialize without appropriate levels of interoperability. Once appropriate levels of interoperability are achieved, policymakers, investors, engineers, and other stakeholders can turn their attention to solving a broad set of challenges: improving the efficiency of power delivery, transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and enabling new markets that surround electricity delivery.

Developing an interoperability roadmap and establishing standards for the national Smart Grid is a complex task, which raises important questions:
• What are the key issues to consider in developing interoperability standards?
• How should competing priorities be considered while interoperability standards are being developed?
• Will interoperability standards development, selection, and adoption occur in the time frame required to effect the needed industry transformation, or will additional steps be necessary?
• What alternate approaches can be taken at this juncture to help ensure that we are on the path to high interoperability?

This debate will discuss these and other issues key to creating an interoperable Smart Grid, critical to realize the future energy system.