NEMA Board approves activities to modernize electrical grid.
Press Release Summary:
The NEMA Board of Governors approved NEMA's leadership role in building a Smart Grid, which describes a modernized electrical grid that incorporates monitoring, analysis, control, and communications technologies. The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act directs the NIST to establish a Smart Grid interoperability framework. NEMA will work with organizations such as the Electric Power Research Institute to ensure standards for product design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation.
Original Press Release:
NEMA Board Approves Smart Grid Activities
ROSSLYN, Va. , March 17, 2008 - The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Board of Governors approved NEMA's leadership role in building a Smart Grid in the United States on March 13. The term "Smart Grid" is used to describe a modernized electrical grid that incorporates monitoring, analysis, control, and communications technologies to create a more energy-efficient, reliable, and secure electrical supply system by using new technologies to better meet electrical supply and demand. The system includes everything from power generation to end-user demands.
Enrique Santacana, president and chief executive officer of ABB, Inc., North America, made a formal presentation to the board, observing that NEMA is uniquely positioned to aid in this endeavor-NEMA's members' products stretch along the entire electricity supply chain, from the power plant to the transmission station to the power substation to inside our houses.
NEMA is already undertaking a key role: The 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish a Smart Grid interoperability framework and designated NEMA to sit on the task force.
In addition to NIST, NEMA will work closely with other organizations, such as the Electric Power Research Institute, to ensure uniform standards that will simplify new product design, engineering, manufacturing, and installation.
"There is no more important initiative for electrical manufacturers than helping our nation develop a more energy efficient, more reliable electrical grid," said Evan R. Gaddis, president and CEO of NEMA. "Within a decade Smart Grid will start changing our society dramatically for the better."
NEMA is the trade association of choice for the electrical manufacturing industry. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, medical imaging, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. Domestic production of electrical products sold worldwide exceeds $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City.
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