The mission of the Utility Smart Network Access Port (USNAP) Alliance is to create a protocol independent serial interface standard 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 Smart Meter. The USNAP Alliance fosters collaboration and education among utilities, AMI suppliers, HAN venders, industry consultants, academics and regulators who seek interoperable, secure and cost effective solutions for extending the Smart Grid to energy aware consumer products.

Purpose

The purpose of the USNAP Alliance is to establish a non-profit mutual benefit (501(c)6) corporation to create a low cost, connector standard for linking Home Area Network (HAN) devices to Smart Meters. This framework will leverage existing industry standards wherever possible.

The purposes for Corporation include:
  • Define a serial interface connector standard for HAN devices to accommodate one or more communication protocol modules;
  • Make appropriate use of standards created by other standards bodies, agencies and associations wherever possible;
  • Promote the ratification, approval and adoption of such specifications developed by the Corporation to utilities, regulators and device manufacturers;
  • Establish certification guidelines and procedures to ensure compatibility and interoperability of the standard among third party products;
  • Provide a forum and environment whereby the Corporation’s Members may meet to approve suggested revisions and enhancements that evolve the relevant specifications; and provide a forum whereby users may meet with developers and providers of related products and services to identify requirements for interoperability and general usability; and
  • Educate the business and consumer communities as to the value, benefits and applications for such a standard in consumer and commercial products and services through public statements, publications, trade shows demonstrations, seminar sponsor-ships and other programs established by the Corporation.