ABSTRACT
There are many individuals and groups that are taking bits of truth with regard to Smart Grid privacy risks and blowing them up into unsubstantiated, and often completely fictional, claims to spread fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Many are using scare tactics to encourage individuals to remove smart meters themselves from their homes. This chapter provides some facts, pointing out what is possible and what is not, to address some of the most common unsubstantiated claims made by groups or individuals with regard to Smart Grid privacy. Municipal utilities and rural electric member cooperatives answer to their city governments or utility boards and their electricity customers serving as owners and voters. These categories of utilities are governed by existing state and local privacy laws and often follow the policy lead of the regulated, investor-owned utilities. Energy consumers must perform their own due diligence to ensure these third parties have appropriate privacy protections and security controls implemented.
