With many utility companies across the Lone Star State switching to smart meters, questions arise about the vulnerability of these devices to hackers.
Dr. King Man Siu of the University of North Texas’ College of Engineering told CBS News that what makes these devices smart in the first place is their ability to regularly capture data.
This comes with the advantage of allowing residents to closely keep track of their power consumption. During high usage periods, they can make adjustments and save money.
With temperatures rising across North Texas lately, the state’s electrical grid has been put to the test with surging demand for power to maintain healthy indoor temperatures through air conditioning units.
For instance, ERCOT issued a Voluntary Conservation Notice on June 20 in light of the extreme weather, as reported by The Dallas Express.
Oncor, the largest electric utility provider in Texas, said in a statement to CBS that most of its customers use smart devices, which it claims “improves energy efficiency and service reliability.”
Yet since smart electric meters transmit data to utility companies roughly every 15 minutes through a telecommunications network, Dr. Siu explained that it is possible for hackers to access this information, according to CBS.
This could potentially indicate, for instance, when no one is expected to be at home in a household, making it easier for someone to schedule a burglary, Sui added.
Another reason for customers to perhaps experience unease over their smart electricity meters is that it allows an energy provider to remotely adjust their thermostat.
Yet, as Sui explained to CBS, customers must opt into this program, which is meant to allow utility companies to adjust usage at times of peak demand.
Even by allowing an energy provider access to a household’s thermostat, the user is able to override any adjustments made.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Oregon State University suggested that it is possible for hackers to destabilize power grids by manipulating smart electricity meters.
They do this through a load oscillation attack, which means switching a large number of users’ power on and off at a regular frequency to tip the system.
“New technologies have been introduced to make our aging electricity infrastructure more efficient and more reliable,” said Professor Eduardo Cotilla-Sanchez, who headed the project, according to a news release.
“At the distribution level, upgrades have included communication systems, distribution automation, local control and protection systems, and advanced metering infrastructure. The bad news is, the upgrades also introduce new dimensions for attacking the power grid,” he added.
According to Oncor’s statement to CBS, the company has a “proactive approach to security,” which includes staying up-to-date with technological advancements through frequent collaboration with top tech, industry, and government experts.
It also has a cybersafety team dedicated to monitoring the soundness of smart meters’ data encryption.
