The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) has formed an Electromagnetic  Interoperability Issues WG group (EMII WG), prompted at least in part by questions Congress directed to NIST on how the smart grid will be impacted by the upcoming solar flares or an electromagnetic pulse attack. The purpose of the working group and the problem being solved was debated at the recent Grid Interop meeting in Chicago. Proponents of the effort believe that immunity standards are needed for the grid, similar to standards in the airline and medical equipment industries. Detractors feel equipment immunity to interference is an operational issue to be handled in the relationship between the vender and the utility.  Standards do directly impact interoperability and will only increase the cost of smart grid equipment.

Officially, this working Group will investigate enhancing the immunity of Smart Grid devices and systems to the detrimental effects of natural and man-made electromagnetic interference, both radiated and conducted. The initial plan is to divide the smart grid into “environment” like generation and distribution substation, home/residential, and utility network control rooms. Each environment will be assigned an electromagnetic immunity standard and devices intended to be sold into those environments must meet the specification. While Europe has several specifications that relate to utility components, there are very few such standards for the United States.

The work in this group will likely begin with a review of the European standards to see how they apply to the US markets. The potential impact on utilities depends if the work grows into mandates from regulatory agencies. This is a difficult issue, weighing regulation that is perceived as unnecessary against protecting the grid no matter the cost. The immunity standards in place in the US in the medical and airline industry are intended to protect the safety of human life. There is a human safety component to the grid as well. UTC will continue to report on this groups activity and we would love to hear any comments from members. Email Klaus.bender@utc.org.