We considered the findings and recommendations of an external report on how customer privacy is affected by smart meters.
Smart meter privacy impact assessment 2012
- Project started
- Project completed
Overview
In 2011, Lockstep Consulting was engaged by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to undertake a Privacy Impact Assessment of Victoria’s smart metering program. The report looked at whether smart meters affected customer privacy in relation to interval metering, remote communication and control capabilities, and management and design of the metering system.
The Minister for Energy and Resources asked us to:
- consider the relevant findings and recommendations of the Lockstep report and review, accordingly, the regulatory requirements on retailers and distributors
- require electricity Retailers and Distributors to ensure that they comply with privacy standards and procedures in relation to smart meter data in accordance with their licence requirements
- publish a fact sheet on the YourChoice website advising customers how personal information is handled securely by retailers and distributors
- liaise with the former Department of Primary Industries (DPI) on the development of a framework within which third parties may provide smart meter enabled products and services while protecting the rights and interests of customers.
After discussions with DPI, we released an Information request seeking industry submissions in relation to sixteen of the recommendations. The remaining eight recommendations are to be considered by other regulatory agencies.