Because of the role wireless technologies will play in the evolution toward a smarter national grid, one of the recommendations in DOE’s report, The Communications Requirements of Smart Grid Technologies, was that members of the utility sector become more engaged in the federal advisory committees that provide input on key policy issues related to the Smart Grid, including spectrum management and network reliability issues.  Last week, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced that it is seeking nominations for its Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC).  The CSMAC provides NTIA with important input from industry on spectrum policy.  Nominations are due January 10, 2010.  More specifics on member qualifications and the nominations process can be found at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.  We encourage the utility sector to submit nominations.