  Smart grid can be considered as the next step in the evolution of power
systems. It comprises of different entities and objects ranging from smart
appliances, smart meters, generators, smart storages, and more. One key problem
in modeling smart grid is that while currently there is a considerable focus on
the practical aspects of smart grid, there are very few modeling attempts and
even lesser attempts at formalization. To the best of our knowledge, among
other formal methods, formal specification has previously not been applied in
the domain of smart grid. In this paper, we attempt to bridge this gap by
presenting a novel approach to modeling smart grid components using a formal
specification approach. We use a state-based formal specification language
namely Z (pronounced as `Zed') since we believe Z is particularly suited for
modeling smart grid components.We demonstrate the application of Z on key smart
grid components. The presented formal specification can be considered as first
steps towards modeling of smart grid using a Software Engineering formalism. It
also demonstrates how complex systems, such as the smart grid, can be modeled
elegantly using formal specification.

Logic in Computer Science;Systems and Control