Architecture and data flow model for consumer-oriented smart meter design

Abstract

The power grid needs modernisation to efficiently manage the needs of the ever growing population. Smart metering systems have been the main area of focus in smart grid. Smart meter rollouts have started in many countries, but the majority of them are facing resistance from end-users, particularly residential consumers. Generally, consumers have the scheme imposed on them, they are required to pay for the new device, they have little control over their power usage, and they have no control over the considerable amount of additional personal data that the device collects. In this article we identify means of reducing consumer concerns about the data that is extracted and transmitted. We in particular, propose a Smart Metering System Architecture with controls and choices for the consumer, and an abstract data flow model that identifies the security and privacy requirement at each point in the flow.