The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel Accelerates Power Grid Modernization at Inaugural Conference

ATLANTA, Ga. – August 27, 2013 –The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP), a member-funded organization that engages Smart Grid stakeholders to accelerate standards harmonization and advance interoperability, today announced it will host its Inaugural Conference, November 5-7, 2013. The conference, to be held at the PGA National Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will host power grid stakeholders from around the globe and feature discussions on power grid modernization supporting SGIP’s mission in orchestrating the harmonization of Smart Grid standards. 

The conference presents an exceptional opportunity for stakeholders from the energy ecosystem — utilities, manufacturers, regulators and customers — to collaborate and discuss the harmonization of the standards that critically impact, enhance, and accelerate the deployment of a smarter grid. Touching all aspects of grid modernization, the agenda will include a mix of technical and business-oriented sessions focused on standards development issues.  The conference will address opportunities and challenges facing professionals involved in sectors such as bulk generation, transmission, distribution operations and service providers. It will also include standards implementation case studies and best practices to address the industry’s critical issues –cybersecurity, resiliency, and customer engagement, a review of the new NIST Smart Grid Framework 3.0, and international and policy viewpoints.

“Electricity drives society’s lifestyles, security and growth, in addition to powering every critical infrastructure sector,” said Patrick Gannon, president and executive director of SGIP. “However, tying together legacy — often proprietary — systems with newer technologies can pose a challenge to increasing the power grid’s reliability, security and efficiency. SGIP’s Inaugural Conference offers Smart Grid stakeholders a venue to learn about emerging technologies, available solutions and achieve accelerated progress through collaboration on power grid standards. All this leads to faster deployment and integration of interoperable technologies for the modern electric grid.”

Adjunct to the conference sessions, there will be an exhibition to showcase sponsors, networking breaks and receptions, as well as opportunities for current working group and committee members to meet together. There will be pre-conference tutorials on SGIP organizational best practices for new and current members during the afternoon of Monday, November 4, which are included in the registration fee.

Early Bird discount registration (a discount of $100) ends on October 1, 2013, when registration costs increase to $675 for members and $950 for non-members. Registration fees include all meals and functions listed on the agenda. Register today at SGIP Registration. To receive the SGIP member rate, consider becoming a SGIP member and download the SGIP member application.

For more information about maximizing your presence at this conference though unique sponsorship opportunities,  contact Pamela Peseux, MFM Lamey Group (Conference organizers on behalf of SGIP) at sgip@trademeetings.com, tel: +1.202.347.2725 or toll free at +1.800.934.8205. To learn more about the SGIP and the conference agenda, visit http://sgip.org.

About Smart Grid Interoperability Panel

The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) – a member-funded, global, non-profit organization – orchestrates the work behind power grid modernization.  SGIP was established to identify requirements for harmonization of technical interoperability standards that advance grid modernization. SGIP accelerates the realization of benefits for all stakeholders: utilities, manufacturers, consumers and regulators. SGIP members stay competitive, informed and well-connected. To learn more about SGIP, visit http://sgip.org/.