Steve Widergren contributes to new solutions for reliable operation of electric power systems. Common throughout his career is the application of information technology to power engineering problems including, simulation, control, and system integration. Mr. Widergren is a principal engineer at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and is the 2010/2011 Plenary Chair for the Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP).  The SGIP with members from more than 400 organizations was been charged to help evolve a standards framework for smart grids released earlier this year by National Institute of Standards and Technology.  The SGIP was established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to advance interoperability of smart grid devices and systems through the coordination of standards and best practices. He was recently Administrator for the GridWise Architecture Council – a group formed to enable interoperability of automated systems related to the electric system.