Smart Meter Technology

533 Words

Utilities have begun to implement smart grid technology for their customers. One key component of the smart grid consortium is the smart meter. The smart meter is an automated meter that is placed outside the customer’s home and allows the electric service provider to gather energy consumption data. This is very helpful for utilities as it allows them to reduce their fleet and therefore reducing their carbon footprint. In addition to the fleet savings, utilities also gain savings from reductions in their workforce. Another key benefit of the smart meter is the ability to help support energy efficiency savings by allowing customers to monitor their energy consumption through their smart-phone or internet connection. However, not all utilities have incorporated the full realm of this technology as there are concerns about the privacy of user data and security of the data being transmitted. The security of these wireless meters is a large concern for utilities and customers as well. The security features are not as much of a concern for the vendors however, since the added security increases the cost to manufacture, making the meters more costly and less competitive. (Mills, 2010) In my opinion this responsibility should fall on both the manufacturer and the utility using the meters. There have been reports that hackers can access the meters through their digital nature. This could be devastating as these meters are connected directly to the transmission and distribution systems and are all tied together. In addition to the hacking is the issue of user privacy. One journal reports that devices that use energy such as a refrigerator have their own load signature that can be used to identify the type of device by the utilities, therefore violating privacy of the customers. (McNeil, 2011) This concern for privacy is very real since the data owners will be able to see patterns in usage and this could invade one’s privacy. It has also been reported that individuals have used magnets to disrupt the system and then remove the magnets during the daytime in case a utility representative stops by to check. I am sure that this is costing the hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue that translates to increases into the bills of others as the cost to serve increases. One journal states that you will be able to see that the smart meters are going to play a major part in the development of a smart grid that can remotely, securely, and automatically capture information, monitor performance, and execute commands that ensure reliable energy. (Singh,2010) I completely agree with this statement; however I believe there needs to be security and privacy issues that need to be covered prior to the widespread implementation. Currently, in Georgia the smart meters are only functional to provide energy consumption and nothing else, so there is really no incentive to hack and there is little privacy to invade. However, as the technology becomes more secure and utilities will be faced with the decision to turn on the switch of how much data do they want the customer to see. At that point is when we will see even a greater risk for hacking and for privacy invasion.

References

McNeil, S. (2011). Privacy and the Modern Grid. Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, 25(1), 7. Retrieved April 13, 2012, from http://jolt.law.harvard.edu/articles/pdf/v25/25HarvJLTech199.pdf
Mills, E. (2010, June 15). Money trumps security in smart-meter rollouts, experts say. cnet. Retrieved April 13, 2012, from http:/http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20007672-245.html/
Singh, G. (2010). Smart Grid and its Development Prospects In the Asia-Pacific Region. Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences, 2(1), 3. Retrieved April 13, 2012, from http://cisjournal.org/archive/vol2no1/vol2no1_8.pdf