Restricts Sharing Meter Data

Update courtesy of Utility Regulatory News #4031: Addressing privacy concerns raised in conjunction with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployment plans, the California Public Utilities Commission has devised a set of rules and regulations designed to prevent the improper sharing or dissemination of AMI-enabled customer usage data.

The commission stated that the real-time information that can be relayed back and forth between a utility and a customer via AMI holds tremendous promise for facilitating significant strides in conservation, energy efficiency, and shifts in peak demand. However, the commission said, AMI may be unable to live up to such promise if consumers have doubts that their privacy may be compromised as a result of smart meter-based electronic transmissions. The commission thus held that rules targeted at maintaining the integrity and security of customer usage data were critical to the success of smart metering programs.

The new rules will apply not only to utilities, but also to contractors working with the utilities and certain other third parties. The rules set forth limits on the use of consumption data and establish parameters for the sharing thereof. Further, the rules provide for notice requirements to customers as to utilities’ policies and protocols for collecting, storing, and disclosing usage information. In addition, the utilities are required to submit reports detailing their plans for complying with the new rules and also are required to notify the commission in case of any breach or incidents of cyber attacks. For the full story, subscribe to URN.

Posted: August 25th, 2011 under security, smart grid.
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