Innovative Technology for Reliable and Secure OT Communications

Our Mission

We actively develop and support measures to improve interoperability and cybersecurity in DNP systems by developing technologies and standards, implementing a conformance program, and providing education to the industry.

Activities of the Users Group

DNP3 has grown to be the most widely used protocol for electric transmission and distribution communications in North America and other regions of the world, and is a named standard for DER communications. DNP3 is also broadly adopted in adjacent industries such as water / wastewater, transportation and the oil and gas industry.

The DNP Users Group (DNP-UG) owns and maintains DNP3 and supports our user community and the industry by enhancing and promoting DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol), also known as IEEE Std. 1815^TM. Our members include utilities, suppliers, consultants, and individuals (including students). Many of our initiatives support greater interoperability between supplier’s products and systems and/or enhance cyber security. On-going refinements also add new features and time-saving capabilities which are then included in the next update of IEEE 1815. Our growing library of Standards, Application Notes, Guides, Security Notices, and Technical Bulletins provide essential information for our members. The leadership team and technical team members provide periodic educational opportunities including tutorials, white papers, and conference presentations. Our Conformance Certification Program manages the Conformance Test Review process and publishes conformance certificates which are publicly posted. The DNP-UG is governed by our Board of Directors in accordance with our bylaws. The technical teams are involved with four different groups as follows:

Technical Committee
Cybersecurity Task Force
Test Management Committee
Test Procedure Committee.

Recent and current developments include new:

Update to the IEEE Std. 1815TM standard.
DER communications standard – IEEE 1815.2TM (draft) – joint effort with MESA.
Secure Authentication v6 (SAv6).
Authorization Management Protocol (AMP).
Test procedures.
Device profile guide.
Expanded Conformance Certification Program (CCP).

Membership in the Users Group

Join us! To participate and receive DNP-UG member benefits and services including the latest documents and updates, utilities and vendors are required to join and remain members. For more information go to dnp.org or email our team at admin@dnp.org

DNP Users Group content including, postings, documents and presentations that refer to IEEE or IEEE standards, solely represent the views of the DNP-UG and do not necessarily represent a position of either IEEE, IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA), the IEEE Power System Communications and Cybersecurity Standards Committee, or the applicable IEEE Working Groups.

The DNP Users Group is a California nonprofit mutual benefit Corporation, operating pursuant to United States IRS code 501(c)(6).

Announcements

DNP Users Group - 2024 AGM is on September 24, 2024 - 4 PM to 6 PM Eastern

The Directors of the DNP Users Group are pleased to announce our 2024 AGM as well as Board Nominations.

All members are welcome and encouraged to attend to get updates on the activities of the UG and participate in direction setting.

Details:

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 – 4 PM to 6 PM Eastern
Meeting Link - Members log-in and go here: 2024 AGM Details

Note:

To download the AGM related documents and access the meeting link, first log in to your DNP-UG account.
When you click on the link, the document(s) will be downloaded to your computer.
If you are having issues retrieving the documents, please contact us at dnpusers.membership@gmail.com

Past Meeting Materials:

New Agenda Topics:

VISION 2024 Update and Discussion
Upcoming Workshop on OT Cybersecurity
Discussion on Future Workshops and Tutorials
Member Input Time

Formal Agenda:

Introductions:
1. Directors
2. Nominees
3. Staff
Review of the Agenda
Introduction of the Attendees
Review of Last Years Meeting Notes
Nominations and Elections of Directors (Andrew West – Nominations Chair):
1. Vice President, Technology
2. Vice President, Marketing
Director Reports:
1. Chairperson’s remarks
2. COO Report
3. Finance / Treasurer
4. Technical Committee
5. Test Procedures Committee
6. Test Management Committee
7. Cyber Security Task Force
8. Website
9. Marketing
10. Matters for Voting
New Agenda Topics (see above)

VISION 2024:

As you know, the DNP-UG membership approved adoption of VISION 2024 with new benefits, services and fees. For more information go to the announcement section on our home page or go here: VISION 2024 Summary

Membership:

If you have already renewed in 2024, thank you! If not, please accept this as your reminder to renew shortly. The UG continues to accomplish a great deal on behalf of our members and the industry. As always we count on the engagement and support of our members in terms of committee participation and membership fees.

Nominations:

In addition, we are seeking nominations for two vacant positions on the Board of Directors (see below). Candidates will be people looking to join a team of dedicated industry leaders that are making a difference in our industry. If interested or would like to nominate someone, prior to the meeting please reach out to andrew.west@ieee.org with a copy to r.farquharson@ieee.org.

If you would like to get more involved or require more information, please contact us directly at dnpusers.membership@gmail.com, r.farquharson@ieee.org or our support team at admin@dnp.org.

Ronald Farquharson on behalf of the

Board of Directors, DNP Users Group

September 17, 2024