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

Membership Vote 1 - VISION 2024 – May 29 to June 28, 2024

First off, to our members, thank you very much for your on-going support of the DNP Users Group (DNP-UG). If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be here!

In taking stock of the industry, its needs, and our place, we have concluded that changes are needed. It's time for a fresh vision for the DNP-UG! We are calling it VISION 2024.

VISION 2024 is focused on providing our members with:

• Faster Developments

• Better Support, Closer Contact, Improved Website

• New Education Initiatives

The benefits to our members are significant:

• Included quarterly workshops and tutorials

• Included (or discounted) Conformance Certification Phase 1 - DP review

• Discounted Conformance Certification Phase 2 – test log review

• Included (most members) – technical support

• Net benefits total at least the cost of membership if not far more!

However, for this to work we need your help!

The VISION 2024 membership fees will (if approved) be higher, in some cases, substantially. We have had several conversations to validate this approach and have been gratified that, while noticeable, the increase is considered doable.

Below are links to key documents:

1. A very kind endorsement letter from a highly respected industry leader and good friend of the DNP-UG, John McDonald – here.

2. VISION 2024 Background – important updates - here.

3. VISION 2024 Overview and Fee Structure - the vision, objectives and new proposed fee structure – here.

Please:

Read the four documents before you make your decision.
Reach out with any questions or concerns. We would especially appreciate hearing from you if you intend to vote no.
A “NO” vote may have significant implications for the future of the UG and our activities in their current form.

Information Sessions:

Weekly one-hour sessions have been occurring.
Remaining sessions:
- June 20, 2024 at 4PM to 5PM Eastern
- June 25, 2024 at Noon Eastern
Register by emailing the addresses below.
Other times may be scheduled upon request.

Voting Instructions:

The voting details and plan is here.
Voting closes on June 28^th at midnight Eastern time.
Vote by sending an email with Subject “VISION 2024” and a “YES” or “NO” in the body to the addresses below.

For More Information:

· Ron Farquharson at r.farquharson@ieee.org

· Sara Yuill at dnpusers.membership@gmail.com

· admin@dnp.org

Sincerely,

Ronald Farquharson, on behalf of the

Board of Directors, DNP Users Group

2024-06-19

Membership Vote 2 - Technical Committee Charter Change - June 18 to July 18, 2024