This document provides an overview of IEC 61850 and its benefits. IEC 61850 is a framework for substation automation that standardizes object models, data meanings, services, and device configurations. This standardization allows devices from different vendors to interoperate and reduces engineering and configuration costs. The benefits of IEC 61850 include lower installation, maintenance, wiring, and commissioning costs through the use of self-describing devices and a common configuration language.