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SEPA Releases Industry Shortcut for Smart Grid Test Programs

March 17, 2020 by Paul Shepard

The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) announces the launch of the SEPA Catalog of Test Programs. This new resource provides a consolidated source of information about smart grid standards that have available or certified conformance testing from independent test labs and providers.

Developed primarily for utility procurement staff, manufacturers, test labs, regulators, and other energy service and solution providers, the catalog aims to raise awareness of, and facilitate the development of standards testing and certification for smart grid interoperability.

A culmination of years of expert convening by the SEPA Testing & Certification Working Group, the catalog initially includes 8 test programs that certify over 44 national and international smart grid device standards.

This project is funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as are other interoperability-focused projects at SEPA, including the convening of the SEPA Interoperability Profile Task Force, and the publication of the SEPA Catalog of Standards.

“Standards are the necessary first step towards interoperability,” said Aaron Smallwood, VP, industry solutions at the Smart Electric Power Alliance. “The new SEPA Catalog of Test Programs, in combination with the SEPA Catalog of Standards, together provide valuable industry information about the maturity of smart grid standards and test programs. These tools equip industry stakeholders with objective information to guide their decision making.”