Advanced Metering: ecosystem, security threats and counter measures

Today, the vast majority of meters installed around the world are simply dumb devices. Utility Companies are on the move to modernize their meter readings and data collection systems with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). Utilities are upgrading their legacy metering and data-exchange infrastructure to tap into this new capability.

The deployment of AMI and automated meter reading (AMR) capabilities in the power distribution system has the potential to save energy suppliers and their consumer锟絪 significant amounts of money in the near term. The energy suppliers can benefit by more efficient meter reading, fewer truck rolls (i.e. fewer maintenance personnel dispatch events), outage location identification, remote connect/disconnect etc.

Energy consumers will also have new opportunities to reduce their energy costs by taking advantage of real-time energy pricing, off-peak rates, and various programs that will be possible with the two-way communication networks between the utilities and their customers.

Utilities, regulators and customers see the benefits in making the customer connection more intelligent and responsive to system needs. The AMI (also known as smart grid) requires a combination of different technologies that rely on network connectivity, posing significant security issues that must be addressed from the beginning.

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