Industry Consortium Pursues Smart Energy

A new Consortium for SEP 2 Interoperability has been formed by the HomePlug Alliance, Wi-Fi Alliance, HomeGrid Forum and ZigBee Alliance with the goal of implementing a consistent testing plan for interoperable SEP 2 devices across an IP network. A joint certification and test program will be used to certify wireless and wired devices that support IP-based smart energy applications and end-user devices such as thermostats, appliances and gateways. It will address devices operating on one or more of a variety of underlying connectivity technologies and provide the smart energy ecosystem �– including utilities, product vendors and consumers – assurances of application and device interoperability.


SEP 2 was selected in 2009 by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as a standard profile for smart energy management in home devices. The profile is suitable for operation on a variety of IP-based technologies. This consortium establishes a communications technology-agnostic forum to unify and accelerate the realization of interoperable SEP 2 products through a joint test and certification program. The consortium intends to utilize the processes and best practices recommended by the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) for smart grid testing and certification programs.


"HomeGrid Forum, which is responsible for certifying and promoting G.hn technology, is excited to be working with other leading industry organizations to help accelerate the adoption of the Smart Grid throughout the world," said Matt Theall, president of HomeGrid Forum. "We believe SEP 2 will be an important factor in ensuring that wired and wireless technologies combine together to deliver Smart Grid and other services inside and outside the home and we are committed to using our expertise to help drive industry adoption." http://www.homeplug.orghttp:www.homegridforum.org