Utility Standards
IEC Common Information Model (CIM)
The CIM was originally developed as part of the EPRI CCAPI project to develop a common data model for Energy Management System (EMS) systems to exchange power system network models. It later moved into the IEC TC57 for standardization and adoption into other areas of utility business, including distribution operations and management, and lately into AMI and Smart Grid. The main objective of the CIM and its related standards is to foster standard information exchange between utility and ISO systems for improved systems interoperability and process automation. CIM Users Group was formed to foster wide adoption of such standards and provides a forum for all to contribute to the development and implementation.
MultiSpeak
MultiSpeak has focused on integration of applications used in the distribution portion of electric utilities. MultiSpeak interfaces have been available and implemented since 2001. MultiSpeak integration is known to be in operation in over 250 utilities. Adoption of MultiSpeak has been primarily, but not exclusively, in distribution utilities in the United States. MultiSpeak and IEC TC57 WG14 have announced that they will work together toward harmonization of each other’s standards.
Others
Many other standards organizations, such as IEEE, ISO, NEMA, and OPC Foundation exist and contribute to the interoperability of Smart Grid solutions that many utilities are looking to implement.