Smart grid consumer privacy: A little myth, a little method

By Patty Durand

SGCC Executive Director

The Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative hosted a dynamic panel discussion with security experts, utility regulators and utilities to address current issues surrounding smart grid consumer privacy and data security and also debate what can be done to address consumer fears, real or not. 

Panel moderator, Jules Polonetsky from the Future of Privacy Forum, pushed the group’s thinking with proactive questions: "Do consumers know how much privacy they are giving up with the use of new technology like their cell phones, and the Internet?"

This question certainly made me stop and think. I couldn’t recall the last time I read the privacy policy of my cell phone provider or the terms of service of the websites I frequent. Lengthy legal documents don’t make for interesting reading.

Tough consumer privacy questions are tackled by panelist Christine Wright from PUC Texas every day as a result of AMI deployments across their territory in Texas. "Our industry is so different from others in that we [regulators] make decisions to roll out smart meters to every home across our entire territory in Texas."  While regulatory decisions affect everyone, “… we also have to recognize that consumers have different concerns when it comes to technology and privacy.”

Susan Neel from CenterPoint Energy acknowledged that across her utility’s territory, only a few customers were skeptical about smart meters.  Some customers in Texas questioned whether continuous monitoring of their home’s energy consumption infringed on their right to privacy. Other concerns centered on a fear that the government would take over control of the electricity in their home.  Neel stated that while the concerns were few, CenterPoint "took these concerns very seriously."

In addition to providing customers with the tools to control their energy usage, CenterPoint developed a fact sheet to dispel all the myths about the smart grid, its security and data privacy.  "We believe that the data from AMI belongs to customers and should be shared only when authorized in writing by the customer." 

This elicited further questions from attendees such as, are there instances where companies can use the energy consumption data without customer permission? Are consumers willing to give up their data for innovation and the development of intangible benefits from smart meters?  And, should privacy be customized to fit the individual needs of customers?