July 19, 2011 – The Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) has released a guideline for the selection and use of Smart Grid standards. The new guideline, according to CEA, is intended to provide a framework for electric utilities and other decision-makers in selecting standards related to modernizing electricity infrastructure.

The guideline contains eight fundamental principles and 15 elective criteria intended to assist manufacturers and users of smart grid technologies in developing and integrating new and emerging technologies.

“The intent of the underlying principles is to ensure the continued reliability, safety and efficiency of the Canadian electric utility system,” said CEA.

“CEA is pleased to lead the way in providing a much-needed guideline for selecting recognized equipment and system standards,” added Pierre Guimond, CEA president and CEO.

Since 1993, the CEA has had a Standards Program that aims to facilitate and promote the use of consensus-based industry-specific standards and guidelines among Canadian electrical utilities, in addition to coordinating member participation in international, national and regional standards development.

CLICK HERE for additional information on the Standards Program.

“Canadian utilities are investing prudently in Smart Grid development efforts as they begin to seize the opportunity to modernize the grid for the next generation‚” said Ivano Labricciosa, chair of the CEA Smart Grid Standards Task Group and Vice President, Asset Management at Toronto Hydro.

“Many utilities have been working on Smart Grid projects that monitor, interface, interconnect, and leverage electronic technology to deliver improvements in grid reliability. These globally-recognized leading projects, however, require investment in and support for the development of recognized equipment and systems standards,” he added.

CLICK HERE to download the CEA Guideline for the Selection and Use of Smart Grid Standards.