Power utilities worldwide are embarking on Smart Grid projects such as Grid Modernization, Substation Automation, Distribution Automation, and Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Communications network transformation to a highly available IP/MPLS network for mission-critical communications is a foundation to the Smart Grid architecture. Reliable communications and end-to-end service consistency from the core network to the field area network is essential to meeting the key Smart Grid application requirements of utilizing information management technologies and two-way communications.