Implementation of privacy-friendly aggregation for the smart grid

Abstract

In recent years a number of protocols have been suggested toward privacy-preserving aggregation of smart meter data, allowing electricity network operators to perform a large part of grid maintenance and administrative operations without having to touch any privacy-sensitive data. In light of upcoming European legislation, this approach has gained quite some attention. However, to allow such protocols to have a chance to make it into a real system, it is vital to add credibility by demonstrating that the approach scales, is reasonably robust, and can be integrated into the existing and planned smart metering chains. This paper presents results from integration and scalability tests performed on 100 DLMS/COSEM smart meters in collaboration with a meter manufacturer and a Dutch utility. We outline the use cases, lessons learned, and choices that had to be made to allow the protocols to run in a real system, as well as some privacy challenges that cannot be covered by this technology.