ZigBee Smart Energy Profile Proposed as Basis for IEC Standard

June 1, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS

The ZigBee Alliance is also working with a variety of organizations focused on smart grid technologies.

Those organizations include:

• The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
• Digital Addressable Lighting Initiative.
• HomePlug Powerline Alliance.
• International Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• Electric Power Research Institute.
• European Smart Metering Industry Group.
• National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
• National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
• Open Smart Grid.

It allows consumers to choose interoperable products from different manufacturers giving them the means to manage their energy consumption using automation and near real-time information.

Working with IEC on a broader global standardization will benefit the energy sector and public by placing more emphasis on energy management and smart grid development, according to ZigBee.

"Basing and harmonizing the ZigBee Smart Energy profile on the IEC common information model (CIM) would improve data fidelity and minimize overall life cycle costs for exchanging information among home area networks, metering systems and utility back office systems," said Greg Robinson, convener of IEC TC57 Working Group 14.

Source: ZigBee Alliance.