Measures to reduce concerns related to smart meter data: Are detailed consumer data needed for smart grid operations?

Abstract

Intelligent information systems are necessary to improve power grid operations. The current trend reveals the deployment of smart meter at consumer sites as the energy provider's starting point to grid modernisation. Smart meters are considered as a core element in most of the smart grid projects. The smart metering system is designed to collect and transmit detailed consumption data. Detailed data from the smart meter could profile the consumer's lifestyle and this is among the reasons for consumer's resistance to smart meters. It is also not clear how the power grid will benefit from individual consumer's detailed power usage data. This article attempts to investigate this issue by analysing if detailed end-user data is required for the operation of other control systems in the grid. Further an analysis is conducted to identify which stakeholders will benefit from the detailed smart meter data. Based on the analysis remedial measures are proposed.