This week, the OpenADR Alliance announced a new liaison agreement with DLMS User Association to promote interoperable, standards-based energy data exchange at the grid edge. As many of you know, DLMS is a leading voice in interoperable and secure data exchange. 

This agreement will support seamless data exchange between the widely adopted DLMS/COSEM standard for secure smart meter data exchange, and OpenADR’s secure, two-way signaling for demand response and DER, and flexibility services.

Why it’s important

With utilities modernizing their grid operations and scaling their energy flexibility programs, the need for clearly defined interfaces between regulated utility infrastructure and dynamic home and building energy management environments is crucial. This agreement connects a standardized data model with standardized flexibility signaling, providing a strong foundation for scalable, interoperable implementations while preserving flexibility and market choice.

As Sergio Lazzarotto, President of the DLMS User Association, says, it’s an important step toward strengthening interoperability at the grid edge. 

I believe that for the first time, it will create a clear bridging option between smart metering systems and customer-owned flexibility resources. As you know, OpenADR strives to keep the customer in charge of the equipment they own and pay for. But we also recognize the need to incorporate systems with larger consumption into a tighter control mechanism. 

Bridging DLMS and OpenADR strikes an excellent middle way to achieve both.

How we will work together

Under the new agreement, DLMS and the Alliance will focus on targeted work areas, including technical mapping, international standardization pathways, certification co-ordination, and practical solutions for industry adoption. 

We will work closely together to exchange technical information, review draft work, set-up ad-hoc task forces, and co-ordinate activities that advance practical, interoperable, standards-based solutions for flexibility services and consumer energy insights. However, both organizations will remain independently governed, preserving our own programs and certification schemes.

For more information please read the full press release from April 14th: https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/dlms-ua-and-openadr-alliance-announce-agreement-to-strengthen-int-1154137