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Quick Take: Some utilities have been adding new programs and technologies without testing, a big mistake in our opinion. To paraphrase an expression that has made the rounds for years: "In God we trust – all else we test." The new Smart Grid Labs from Enernex is a great addition to the ecosystem. - By Jesse Berst

The lab, essentially an electric grid in a 7,000-square foot space, includes power poles, substation and feeder equipment, ruggedized utility communications equipment, advanced metering systems from head end to Field Area Networks to meter Home Area Networks, building automation networks and consumer devices such as TV displays, smart thermostats and smart kitchen appliances.

To achieve its goals of real-world interoperability testing and evaluation, Smart Grid Labs focuses on smart grid communications and consumer domain interoperability, advanced metering standards, grid design, grid command and control, technology adoption risk management and security assessment.

As Erich Gunther, Enernex chief technology officer and Smart Grid Labs director, put it "The opening of this lab represents a key step in evolving the industry from talking about modernizing energy infrastructure to actually doing it."

The lab has support from an impressive list of platform sponsors. A sampling of those sponsors includes Bosch, Control4, Cisco, Energate, Emerson, GE Appliances, GE Digital Energy, Itron, Landis+Gyr, OSIsoft, Ruggedcom, Silver Spring Networks, Tektronix and Trilliant.

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Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

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