Smart Metering Systems

Intelligent measurement systems

Background

Smart information networks provide an efficient means of linking and coordinating energy production and consumption. Intelligent measurement systems (also known as "smart metering systems") are integral elements of such infrastructure. They provide for transparency in consumption while also ensuring the secure transmission of measurement data. By offering a platform for controlling electronic consumption devices and power generation plants, they facilitate better management of generation and loads on the distribution grid, as well. Smart meter gateways, which function as communication units with integrated security modules, constitute central components of intelligent measurement systems.

Since establishing and using an intelligent network also involves processing personal data, safeguarding the security of such information is crucial when it comes to ensuring the public's acceptance of intelligent measurement systems. The systems that will supply people with energy in the future -- and particularly the smart metering systems used in the process -- thus require binding, standardised specifications with regard to technical security and functional aspects that will ensure their interoperability.

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the BSI develops requirements for trustworthy product components (smart meter gateways with integrated security modules), their secure operation in terms of IT (administration), and trustworthy communication infrastructure (the Smart Metering PKI). The BSI also checks compliance with these requirements as part of a certification procedure. Along with the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, the Federal Network Agency, and Germany's national metrology institute (PTB), various associations from the fields of telecommunication, information technology, energy, housing, and consumer protection have been involved in developing the requirements.

Germany's new law governing the operation of metering points and data communication in intelligent energy grids (MsbG) stipulates the technical and organisational specifications the BSI has defined to ensure data protection and security in this setting (Article 1, sections 19 to 28).