Embedded Systems: Smart Meters
A state regulator in California (CPUC) has made a strong statement of intent by approving regulation to safeguard the privacy and security of customer data generated by smart meters in the development of an energy smart grid for the state.
The data is to be used for conservation, the integration of renewable energy sources, and for future energy policies. Energy companies are prevented from disclosing customer’s usage data to third parties or from exploiting the information through incentives. Additionally, they are required to protect privacy, secure data from the smart meters, and make it all available to consumers online with regular updates.
The novelty of this regulation makes it susceptible to legal challenges or appeal, through the regulators are confident that it will serve as a national model. At a time when confidence in personal privacy is markedly low, this breakthrough will undoubtedly raise consumer confidence in the legitimate use of such systems and their presiding organisations.
Eurocal Group has experience with embedded systems and M2M projects that include smart meters, similarly influenced by our interest in green technologies.