THE LINUX FOUNDATION PROJECTS

Enabling secure interoperability at the grid edge to accelerate adoption of advanced analytics

The Grid Edge Interoperability and Security Alliance (GEISA) is an LF Energy project defining an open, interoperable specification for grid-edge computing environments – on smart meters, distribution automation devices, and other field assets.

By standardizing Application & Device Management (ADM), Application Programming Interface (API), and Execution Environment (EE) layers, GEISA provides a secure, multi-vendor foundation for deploying, managing, and scaling applications at the edge. This enables utilities and vendors to focus on innovation and analytics rather than integration challenges.

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GEISA Pillar Diagram

Supply Chain Security

Build grid resiliency with multi-vendor interoperability and reduced dependence on proprietary stacks

Innovation Enablement

Decouple edge intelligence from meter-to-cash systems to accelerate deployment of new applications.

Operational Efficiency

Improve interoperability and cybersecurity while lowering total cost of ownership through open standards and conformance.

Future Proofing

Ensure long-term compatibility and flexibility for evolving AMI and DER architectures.

Three Pillars of Interoperability

Application & Device Management (ADM)

Standardizes how management systems and edge devices interact.

  • Utilities can manage devices from different meter platform vendors from a single head-end, and deploy applications from different vendors to those devices
  • Platform vendors are not locked out when a utility deploys a different head-end system
  • Platform vendors don’t have to provide a head-end system to enable edge analytics
  • Software vendors can build on their software with the understanding of consistent ADM capabilities

Application Programming Interface (API)

Defines consistent access to metrology, sensors, actuators, interfaces, waveform data, and other device capabilities across platforms.

  • Software Vendors are able to consistently access metrology, sensor, and actuator resources across multiple platforms
  • Platform Vendors gain access to a wide range of applications, increasing value to utilities
  • Utilities are able to obtain applications from different 3rd party vendors and run them on a mix of devices

Execution Environment (EE)

Provides a consistent runtime – Linux EE (containerized) and Virtual EE (Java-based) – providing a consistent environment for DI applications with lower interoperability development costs.

  • Utilities can easily source from multiple software vendors onto their GEISA conformant platforms, or source the skills necessary for building or maintaining their own applications if desired
  • Software vendors can write applications for a single software platform, but be able to deploy on many devices
  • Linux Execution Environments allow platform vendors and software vendors to reuse existing libraries and implementations, leveraging Linux’s open source bounty
  • Virtual Execution Environments provide greater hardware isolation and abstraction

Why GEISA?

For Utilities and Grid Operators

  • Secure deployment of multi-vendor edge applications
  • Reduced cybersecurity audit burden with standardized controls
  • Faster rollout of analytics and DER orchestration
  • Consistent device-level security services
  • Lower cost of ownership through open standards
  • Flexibility for future AMI and grid edge designs

For Vendors and Solution Providers

  • Build once, deploy across multiple device ecosystems
  • Accelerate integration with utility environments
  • Reduce custom engineering and legacy integration effort
  • Access a growing market of GEISA-compatible devices and applications
  • Streamline security compliance and feature certification

For Regulators and Policymakers

  • Drive consistent, secure approaches to grid edge innovation
  • Support scalable program deployment (e.g., DER programs, grid services)
  • Encourage open, interoperable vendor ecosystems
  • Increase system security and resilience
  • Ensure grid edge investment drive positive ROI and long term ratepayer value

The Role of GEISA

GEISA Diagram

Getting Involved

Participation is open to all. Come join the effort!

Contact

For questions, engagement opportunities, or guidance on implementations, reach out at info@lfenergy.org.