Understanding Utilimetrics/IEEE SCC31 Procedures

Q: What are IEEE, ANSI, Measurement Canada and Utilimetrics, and what are their functions and involvement in the standards process?

A: ANSI is the American National Standards Institute, an internationally sanctioned standards-making body for the United States. IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, is a recognized standards-making body of ANSI that generates and approves standards within ANSI guidelines for electrical and electronic technologies. Measurement Canada is a Canadian government organization that develops standards that relate to measurements and measurement accuracy. Utilimetrics is an association that promotes the use of advanced metering technologies. Its members include utility representatives, vendors, carriers and consultants.

Q: Who provides funding for standards?

A: Utilimetrics approached IEEE with the request to make a standard for electronic meters. The arrangement calls for Utilimetrics to finance costs associated with SCC31's standards-development process.

Q: What is the format of the meetings?

A: Standards meetings usually are held for four days, four times a year. Subcommittee meetings sometimes are held simultaneously, but organizers attempt to keep concurrent meetings as independent in subject matter as possible. On the final day, subcommittee chairs explain their progress during a summary plenary session.

Q: Must I be a member of Utilimetrics or IEEE to participate as an active voting member in a subcommittee?

A: No. Utilimetrics and IEEE strongly encourage membership, primarily to keep participants informed of the technology through their various publications, newsletters, forums and symposia. IEEE regulations require a minimum number of committee members to be association members, but Utilimetrics is not in danger of failing to meet the quota.

Q: What is the difference between subcommittee membership and observer status?

A: Members of a subcommittee generally are voting members who attend most meetings and are very knowledgeable about the technology. The chair controls the quantity of membership in a committee. Observers are all other people who attend the meetings.

There is no visual distinction between members and observers during a meeting. Everyone may comment and raise questions. However, observers may not vote on standards-development actions.

Q: How do I become a voting member of a subcommittee?

A: Subcommittees usually contain a certain number of active members. No specific qualifications are necessary to be a voting member. Still, members who are not well-informed about the subcommittee's specific technological topic may wish to join at least initially as an observer.

Q: Can I disagree with members' work or comments?

A: Anyone is free to make a statement, recommendation or presentation. The purpose of voting members is to encourage a consistent group of people to work together to create a relevant standard capable of receiving approval from the overall industry. Everyone who would like to speak out against a standard or a portion of it is allowed to do so.

Q: How do I present my recommendations?

A: Recommendations-at-large are called contributions. Contact Utilimetrics headquarters for a contribution number. You must know for which subcommittee the contribution is best suited. If you are unsure, contact a subcommittee chair for assistance.

The contributor must ensure any copyrighted material has received approval for distribution to the standards group. The subcommittee chair may require a letter of release. Sample templates for presenting contributions are available from Utilimetrics.

Q: How do I obtain standards materials, and whom do I contact for more information?

A: Utilimetrics makes available a subcommittee status manual, which contains the subcommittee's direction statements, charter, goals, objectives and a membership list. For materials, agendas and minutes from meetings, contact the subcommittee secretary; for questions about meeting locations, Utilimetrics membership and basic standards information and materials, contact Utilimetrics headquarters.