Author: Project Consultants, LLC

Wendell, North Carolina, USA – PCItek played a significant role in the CIM Users Group – North American Meeting, held from October 14–16, 2025, in Wendell, North Carolina. The event, themed “Bridging Planning & Operations: Interoperable Solutions for Rapid Grid Transformation,” brought together members of the energy industry to discuss the vital connection between long-term planning and real-time operations.

Margaret Goodrich, President of Project Consultants LLC, was a featured speaker at the meeting, sharing insights on how interoperable solutions are empowering utilities to navigate rapid changes in the grid. Her presentation highlighted real-world implementations, security strategies, and innovations that support agile, data-driven decision-making across the utility landscape.

The meeting provided an excellent platform for industry professionals, from novices to experts, to deepen their knowledge and network with peers. Project Consultants LLC, known for its expertise in systems and power engineering, actively engaged with attendees, reinforcing its commitment to promoting the use and understanding of IEC CIM standards. The company’s participation underscored its dedication to fostering consistency in implementation and keeping stakeholders informed on CIM developments.

PCItek looks forward to continued engagement with the energy industry and participation in future events, further contributing to the advancement of energy technology and grid transformation.

Recognized expert, member of the ICA International Users Group, and president of Project Consultants LLC, Margaret Goodrich was a speaker at the CIM Users Group – Asia-Pacific 2024 Fall Meeting held in Pathum Thani, Thailand, October 2 – 4, 2024. Ms. Goodrich addressed the meeting’s key topic, “CIM as the mechanisms to support the grid modernization and digitalization.”

Emphasis of the meeting was use of COM-based data exchanges as part of business processes and how 

digitization is changing the utility industry environment. Both CIM novices and experts profited from the meeting which provided a forum to learn more about CIM and network with colleagues and industry insiders.

The CIM is an international standard now globally accepted for modeling the information exchanges required in electric utilities. The CIM is independent of any individual application, middleware, or message protocols used for data exchange. The interoperability enabled by the CIM standards is a key factor for achieving the Smart Grid vision.

The CIM Users Group (CIMug) was formed to promote progress of the CIM and to share project experiences. The users group holds two meetings each year (one in Europe and one in the U.S.). Recognized experts share their insights and resolve key technical issues. Each meeting also includes pre-conference tutorials, vendor exhibits, and social networking opportunities.

Attendees included utilities, energy companies, RTO/ISOs and others involved in developing standards-based enterprise information architectures and integration frameworks to meet their business challenges. Project managers, system architects, business and IT managers, and control center personnel were also in attendance.

With the focus on Smart Grid interoperability and distribution applications, vendors with CIM-based products demonstrated their products and discussed service offerings.

Those who attended gained first-hand access to CIM experts and went away with new insights on how to realize the power of CIM-based integration.

CIM Users Group – European 2024 Fall Meeting, “Gear Up: Support Business Processes and Boost digitization with the CIM” was hosted by TenneT on 14-16, May 2024 in Arnhem, Netherlands. The event was organized by The CIM Users Group (CIMUG), a subgroup of the UCA International Users Group. CIMUG serves as a forum in which users, consultants, and suppliers are able to cooperate and leverage the IEC CIM international standards to advance interoperability across the utility enterprise. The primary purpose is to share technology basics, best practices and technical resources while Advancing Interoperability for the Utility Enterprise.

The event was attended by utilities, energy companies, RTO/ISOs and others involved in developing standards-based enterprise information architectures and integration frameworks to meet their business challenges will find this conference invaluable. Project managers, system architects, business and IT managers, and control center personnel benefited from this meeting. With the focus on Smart Grid interoperability and distribution applications, vendors with CIM-based products attended and demonstrated their products and discussed service offerings. 

The CIM Users Group – European 2024 Fall Meeting was hosted by TenneT, an international provider of three supply security roles which are interconnected and influence each other: security of production in line with demand, security of grid availability and transmission, and security of grid balance.

About PCItek

PCItek specializes in cyber security products and model/data integration for Operations in the utility industry. Their expertise in data exchange models, message payloads, and cybersecurity is unsurpassed. Our solutions streamline operations, enhance security, and ensure reliable energy delivery. PCItek is committed to empowering utilities with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving challenges of the modern energy landscape.

SHELL KNOB, MISSOURI, On February 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that EPRI received $5 million to identify new cybersecurity tools and technologies designed to reduce cyber risks for energy infrastructure. The EPRI team, which includes Project Consultants, LLC (DBA: PCItek), will implement new cyber security for the DNP3 AMP standard used by Electric Utilities in North America.

Cybersecurity innovations are necessary to ensure the U.S. energy systems can continue to supply energy to American homes, businesses, and communities. This funding, awarded through DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), will support the Garibaldi Key Distribution and System Management System.

“I am thrilled that PCItek has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for our commitment to strengthening the security of the utility industry,” said Margaret Goodrich, President of PCItek. “We are proud to provide innovative solutions that support the resilience of our nation’s energy grid against cyber threats. This funding enables us to further develop and implement cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, ensuring a safer and more reliable energy supply for all Americans.”

The Distributed Network Protocol (DNP3) Authentication and Authorization project will leverage PCItek’s expertise in integrating operational systems to develop and implement innovative cybersecurity solutions for critical energy infrastructure. This project aims to advance the security in the relays for utility grids and ultimately strengthen the resilience of the U.S. energy grid against cyberattacks.

As part of the project, the PCItek Garibaldi Key Distribution and System Management System will be extended to provide a management entity (a.k.a. a DNP3 Authority) for the Distributed Network Protocol (DNP3) Authentication and Authorization Protocol (a.k.a. AMP). This project is one of 16 projects selected by CESER to address a wide range of current and emerging cyber threats facing energy systems, including electricity, oil, and natural gas, from generation through delivery and provides centralized security management for DNP3 SAv6.

The power grid faces unique cybersecurity challenges due to its complex infrastructure and reliance on industrial control systems. Threats include physical security breaches, malware attacks, and zero-day exploits. 

Utilities must adhere to strict regulations, such as NERC CIP standards, to protect critical infrastructure. Implementing best practices like access control, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems can bolster security measures. Staying informed about emerging threats and trends is crucial for maintaining a resilient power grid.

Cybersecurity tools elevate the value proposition of digital substation relays, providing a competitive advantage for OEMs, VARs, and salespeople. Implementation technicians can receive detailed explanations of these cutting-edge security features and functionalities. These advanced solutions empower utilities to safeguard their power grid against cyber threats proactively.

Click here to read more about CESER. Learn more about PCItek’s work in cybersecurity here.

About PCItek

PCItek specializes in cyber security products and model/data integration for Operations in the utility industry. Their expertise in data exchange models, message payloads, and cybersecurity is unsurpassed. Our solutions streamline operations, enhance security, and ensure reliable energy delivery. PCItek is committed to empowering utilities with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving challenges of the modern energy landscape.

About CESER

The Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) is dedicated to reducing the risk of energy disruptions caused by cyber threats. CESER collaborates with government, industry, academia, and national laboratories to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions. 

The office focuses on research, development, and demonstration projects that enhance information sharing, mitigate cyber incidents, and increase the resilience of the U.S. energy infrastructure. CESER’s work aligns with national priorities and directives to ensure the security of our nation’s energy systems.