Smart Meters Privacy Concerns & Solutions Dissertation

Smart Meters Privacy Concerns & Solutions - Dissertation Example The prime concern of â€Å"Compromise of Consumer Privacy† and â€Å"Safety Concern† due to the detailed statistical and itemised electricity usage will also be discussed in detail. Ways and means of countering this severe draw back will also be discussed and a practical solution will be proposed. A new idea on making Smart Meters more consumer friendly and robust in terms of protecting consumer privacy will be discussed as well Acknowledgements Table of Contents Abstract 2 Acknowledgements 3 Table of Contents 4 1. Introduction 7 2. A detailed technological assessment on the power and sophistication of the Smart Meter Device 9 3. A detailed exploration of the features, functionalities and modes of the Smart Meter 9 4. A practical point of view at the Smart Meter from the consumer’s stand point and evaluation of the benefits of such Smart Meters e.g.: reduction of hassles, detailed consumption statistics, reduction in the risk of Meter tampering, hooking, and ille gal manipulation of meters to register incorrect readings etc. 9 5. A comparison with primitive Electricity usage measuring devices like the analogue disk meters etc. 9 6. An understanding of the â€Å"Privacy† issue of consumers. Loss of confidentiality of sensitive information. Unauthorised access of consumer specific information and utilisation in mal practices 9 8. Literature Review 10 9. Research Methodology 13 10. Findings and Analysis 15 11. Discussion 20 12. Conclusions and Recommendations 23 13. Personal Reflection 28 14. Bibliography 30 15. Appendices 31 1. Introduction 1.1. Project Rationale In this project of detailed study of Smart Meters, we will be researching the Smart Meter as a consumer product, analysing its pros and cons, identifying its benefits and also the ethical dilemma surrounding the usage of Smart Meters to register Electricity Consumption in homes in cities and in different countries. We will be studying the issues surrounding the recent release a nd distribution of Smart Meters, the threats to Privacy and the exposure of Sensitive Personal Data. The Smart Meter will be placed against the back drop of two conflicting scenarios, one promoting and encouraging its usage due to increased consumer convenience and awareness on electricity usage. The other scenario being the generation of statistical data on electricity consumption that has the power and potential to personally identify individuals, intrude into their daily life patterns and over all life style. The Personal Reflection and the conclusion will talk about the Smart Meters over emphasising accuracy and threatening consumer privacy and safety by exposing detailed usage statistics to unauthorised access. We will be concluding with numerous possibilities to reduce the sensitivity of information generated by the smart meter, thereby retaining its advanced technology and caring for the consumer’s privacy by safeguarding consumer interests as well. 1.2. Project Aim an d Objectives 1.2.1. Project Aim The aim of the project is as follows is to conduct a thorough research on the features and functionalities of Smart Meters and make an informed and careful decision on dealing with this sophisticated gadget. A thorough risk assessment followed by a detailed discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, risks and threats is the aim of the project. 1.2.2. Project Objectives Objectives of the Project are: 2. A detailed technological