ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concepts of open source software (OSS) and its history, benefits and challenges and shows how it meets power system needs through examples of existing tools. Users of OSS have less concern than developers about specific licensing issues, as long as they are not involved in new development, and have identified adequate resources for maintenance and support. The chapter presents a future vision of OSS in the electric utility industry. In addition to the US Department of Defense, the US Department of Energy (DoE) is also encouraging OSS and using it as the vehicle of choice for technology transfer in applications developed through the department's research projects. Since the blackout, a multitude of projects to improve the resiliency of the grid have been initiated, ranging from the DoE and Smart Grid Investment Grants, to self-funded projects at forward-thinking electric companies. The infrastructure that makes up the electric power grid has always been in a state of evolution.
