As utilities implement Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and seek to extend the Smart Grid beyond the meter into the home, the diverse number of communication protocols creates serious compatibility problems for utilities, suppliers and consumers alike.

The term U-SNAP is an acronym for Utility Smart Network Access Port, a simple, yet cost effective solution that enables any HAN (Home Area Network) standard, present and future, to use any vendor's Smart Meter as a gateway into the home, without adding additional hardware in the meter. By providing industry with a protocol independent serial interface, it is possible to extend the Smart Grid directly to energy aware consumer products.

The U-SNAP framework uses the AMI communications inherent in every Smart Meter to make a second hop into a U-SNAP equipped product. This innovative approach frees vendors from having to create derivatives of standard products in order to support the various protocols used in utility AMI deployments. For utilities, this means that they can select the Smart Meter that best fits its metering goals and also have confidence that that same meter, with a code download, can meet its present and future goals. For regulators, this means that AMI programs can be deployed quickly, while addressing concerns about compatibility and field upgrades.

The U-SNAP Alliance is rapidly gaining support by Smart Grid stakeholders worldwide, including utilities, metering & AMI suppliers, device manufacturers, industry consultants and regulators. In order to accelerate standardization efforts, a specification is nearly completed and consumers should be able to purchase compatible products early this year.