November 13, 2024

Arlington, Va. — The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) today debuted four new standards that will play a critical role in accelerating grid flexibility and stability. These standards provide a roadmap for manufacturers, businesses, and utilities to enhance grid stability and accelerate the energy transition by strengthening supply chains and improving grid interoperability and reliability.

“NEMA and its members continue to lead in developing standards that address the most pressing challenges and opportunities ahead of the electroindustry,” said Patrick Hughes, Senior Vice President, Technical Affairs, NEMA. “These four newly released standards build on our ongoing work to improve grid reliability, efficiency, safety, and resiliency, providing essential solutions for a secure, sustainable energy future.”

“As Chair of NEMA’s Standards and Conformity Assessment Policy Committee (SCAPC), I am proud to endorse this new slate of standards that furthers NEMA’s work to build an all-electric future,” said Bill Waltz, President and CEO of Atkore. “These standards will provide an important roadmap and improve the work of all of those who are involved in our industry.”

More information on each standard follows:

• The Make it American Process Standard defines a robust electroindustry internal supply chain evaluation system that should be implemented within a company to determine Build America Buy America (BABA) compliance. BABA defines domestic content requirements for infrastructure projects receiving federal funding. The process standard can provide a framework for companies to assess and document compliance with Buy America requirements or seek waivers as necessary. Available for download here.
• The Battery Energy Storage Systems Testing and Performance Measurements Standard helps to efficiently manage fluctuations in energy supply and demand by assessing key performance specifications of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). It establishes clear testing parameters to enable consistent comparisons across criteria and methodologies, smoothing the transition to renewable energy sources and improving grid reliability and stability. Available for download here.
• The Microgrid Control Systems Performance Standard promotes the reliable integration of renewable energy sources into the grid and sets performance guidelines for how microgrid control systems should operate to ensure they work efficiently and reliably. This includes essential features and performance goals needed for managing energy sources and loads in a microgrid, helping to optimize energy use and maintain stability. Available for download here.
• The Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Power Export Permitting Standard will play a critical role in accelerating electrification by defining how power is transferred from electric vehicles back to the grid through defining characteristics in key domains, including communications and cybersecurity. Available for download soon on the NEMA website.

For more information about NEMA’s standards, visit here.