What is "multispeak"

MultiSpeak is a specification / standard that defines standardized interfaces among software applications commonly used by electric utilities. It defines details of data that need to be exchanged between software applications in order to support different processes commonly applied at utilities. MultiSpeak effort is funded by National Rural Electric Cooperative Association ( NRECA).

The National Institute of Standards and Technology ( NIST) has developed a Smart Grid Conceptual Reference Model as part of its Smart Grid Standards Framework and Roadmap. NIST has identified 42 standards to support this vision. MultiSpeak was chosen by NIST as a key standard in the Operations area of the NIST Conceptual Model.

The MultiSpeak Specification is the most widely applied de facto integration standard in North America pertaining to distribution utilities. It is currently in use in daily operations of more than 600 electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, municipals, and public power districts in at least 15 different countries. Over 80 software vendors active in the utility industry have joined the MultiSpeak initiative and contribute their experience to refining the standard.

MultiSpeak standard makes use of three components.

• Definitions of common data semantics- It contains the details of data that need to be exchanged. Data semantics are documented in the form of an extensible markup language (XML) schema.
• Definitions of message structure- It defines message structures to support the required data interchanges. Web services calls with specific structures are used for real time exchanges.
• Definition of messages are required to support specific business process steps- This details the business process steps to accomplish the data.