Dick DeBlasio, Principle Laboratory Program Manager for Electricity Programs, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. DOE

Dick DeBlasio

What makes him powerful: As Chair of the IEEE P2030 Working Group, DeBlasio was the driving force behind this  new interoperability reference and knowledge base for the smart grid. IEEE P2030 can be used by utilities who are developing their infrastructure roadmaps, by manufacturers who are planning smart grid systems and applications, by scientists who are conducting research, by governments who are crafting regulations and by standards-development organizations who are writing additional standards for the smart grid.

IEEE P2030 provides a knowledge base for understanding and defining smart grid interoperability of the electric power system with end-use applications and loads and involves the integration of energy technology and information and communications technologies, which are necessary to achieve seamless operation for electric generation, delivery, and end-use benefits that will permit two-way power flow with communication and control.

DeBlasio fast-tracked IEEE's 2030 foundational standard over two years from the ground up, to integrate the contributions of hundreds of people from across power systems, communications and information technology disciplines in the areas of interconnection and interoperability. As a result, numerous IEEE standards relate to the smart grid such as diverse fields of digital information and controls technology; networking; security; reliability assessment; and interconnection of distributed resources, including renewable energy sources to the grid, sensors, electric metering, broadband over power line, and systems engineering.

"The P2030 standards project will support NIST's role to coordinate the development of smart grid interoperability standards," DeBlasio said. "IEEE P2030 will provide urgently needed guidelines for smart grid interoperability, building on the many technologies used in the electric power system and merging these with communication, monitoring, and analysis technologies and capabilities."

In addition to his role as Chair of the IEEE P2030 Working Group, DeBlasio is a member of the IEEE Standards Association Board of Governors; chief engineer and principle laboratory program manager for electricity programs with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; and IEEE Smart Grid Liaison to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).