Chris King: historical perspective

Having observed and participated in utility meter automation for over two decades, the history of standards teaches us that three things are essential for success. When we think of examples, including VHS, IP, USB, and electrical sockets, the commonalities are readily apparent. They are

1) completely open and non-proprietary,
2) they are painfully simple, and
3) they were driven by the market, not government (nor regulator nor distribution utility company) fiat.

As we view the smart grid, success will require following these three principles. Regarding the architectural questions:

1) the smart meter should be one gateway, but the government should not specify that it be the primary gateway; if the market evolves that way, so be it;

2) again, the Energy Services Interface should be available as another available gateway, but the government should not decide when it should and should not be used; the market will quickly reveal its preference; and

3) the key architectures that come to mind are the following gateway options: meter, local communications concentrator (pole top), in-home Energy Services Interface, in-home personal computer; set-top box; and in-home Internet router.

There are probably others. The best thing the government can do is enable an open interface from the meter (the exclusive source of usage information), then allow the market to deliver, and consumers to choose from, the many potential alternatives.