Press Release

PUC Approves Standards for Secure Access to Smart Meter Data; Safeguarding Privacy While Facilitating Beneficial Information Flow

Published on 6/30/2016

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today adopted a Final Order detailing standards for a secure system that will allow authorized third-parties to access consumer Smart Meter data, in order to assist consumers in identifying ways to save money or energy while also ensuring consumer privacy and the confidentiality of customer information.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve data access standards which were developed by the Electronic Data Exchange Working Group. These standards were initially proposed in February 2015 and have been the subject of extensive input and review.

The goal of the project is to provide a framework for access to Smart Meter data, with customer consent, by certain entities – such as electric generation suppliers – in order to provide consumers with beneficial information based on their historical power usage, such as conservation opportunities or better rates.

In addition to establishing standards for accessing this data, the Commission underscored its zero tolerance policy regarding the confidentiality of consumer information.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket No.: M-2009-2092655
 

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov