Smart Grid

Smart Grid Data Security

Information security is a big issue today, even in the energy industry. As the industry works to transform the antiquated, overburdened electric grid into a more reliable and efficient network, the safety of the data that is transmitted and collected is of the utmost concern. Idaho Falls Power has focused on this issue since 2009, when it was selected as one of 11 utilities in the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project.

The project's next phase begins this spring with the installation of advanced meters in the homes of 1,000 volunteers. Millions of the meters have been installed nationwide, and they've proven to help consumers lower their utility bills by providing near real-time information about their electric use. The wealth of information provided by the meters will also allow IFP to better match its supply of electricity with the demand and operate more efficiently. Since the meters transmit data wirelessly, however, the security of customer information is a concern to some.

IFP has dealt with this issue head-on, consulting extensively with industry experts and Idaho National Laboratory officials to conduct security risk assessments, develop security plans and design the system that will be used. We have focused on security every step of the way, and we will continue to do so.

Elster, the company that built IFP's system, is an industry leader primarily because of its work identifying potential security threats and addressing them proactively. Sophisticated security features are built into the system, not added on, which will allow IFP to add features as they're designed, at no extra cost. Elster's comprehensive approach to security entails a multi-pronged strategy of controlling access to the network, limiting transmissions to authorized devices, encryption of data so that it is unintelligible to unauthorized parties and monitoring and reporting of any security breach.

Data is protected throughout the network, from the meter back to the utility. The radio system used to transmit the data is commonly used in military communications where security is vital. It's not only encrypted and requires authentication (unauthorized commands are not recognized) but also switches among numerous radio frequencies each time it communicates, using a process that's immune to eavesdropping, interception and interference. Each meter does this, making it even more difficult to predict the next communications channel.

Infiltration of the system is made even more cumbersome because each meter has its own key; so in the unlikely event that it is infiltrated, the harm will be limited. In addition to these cutting-edge security features, Elster has teamed with independent security consultants to test the integrity of the system on an on-going basis--the company believes system security is a never-ending process. We feel we've developed a system that will keep your information safe while providing a tool to help you save money on electricity.

What is the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project?

Frequently Asked Questions

Smart Grid Equipment

Smart Grid Security

Smart Grid and Your Health

The Two Smart Grid Test Areas

Information on the Meter Manufacturer

Other Smart Grid Activities in Idaho Falls

If you would like to volunteer to participate in the Smart Grid Demonstration Project, please click here.