Briefing Paper Launch:
Balancing Privacy and Access to Smart Meter Data
Digitalising the energy system is expected to be a vital component of achieving the UK’s climate change targets. Smart meter data, in particular, is seen a key enabler of the transition to more dynamic, cost-effective, cost-reflective, and decarbonised electricity. However, access to this data faces a challenge due to consumer privacy concerns. This Briefing Paper investigates four key elements of smart meter data privacy: existing data protection regulations; the personal information embedded within smart meter data; consumer privacy concerns; and privacy-preserving techniques that could be incorporated alongside existing mechanisms to minimise or eliminate potential privacy infringements.
Speakers:
- Dr Fei Teng, Director of Education, Energy Futures Lab, Imperial College London
- Saurab Chhachhi, Research Postgraduate, Imperial College London
- Colin Griffiths, Policy Manager – Smart Metering, Smart Homes & Digital, Citizens Advice
- Maxine Frerk, Associate, Sustainability First
- Chaired by: Professor Peter Childs, Co-Director, Energy Futures Lab
About Energy Futures Lab
Energy Futures Lab is one of seven Global Institutes at Imperial College London. The institute was established to address global energy challenges by identifying and leading new opportunities to serve industry, government and society at large through high quality research, evidence and advocacy for positive change. The institute aims to promote energy innovation and advance systemic solutions for a sustainable energy future by bringing together the science, engineering and policy expertise at Imperial and fostering collaboration with a wide variety of external partners.