Smart Grids and Protection of Personal Data

One of the modern trends in energy supply is smart metering. Smart meters and smart grids record detailed data about the energy usage. Therefore they facilitate the operation of a distribution network. Since the smart meter records data about every home appliance and electric device in a building and operation thereof, anybody with access to the data may be informed about the private life of an individual. Energy providers may receive complete information relating to the household energy consumption, as well as of individual family members, their habits and devices that they possess. This information can be used not only to streamline the network, but also for marketing and surveillance purposes.
Also law enforcement bodies may get useful information for investigation and prosecution of crime. Intelligence services may use the data to identify risks for national security. Thus, the data recorded by the smart meters may be used as a tool of surveillance of energy consumers.
In March 2012 the European Commission issued a Recommendation on preparations for the roll-out of smart metering systems. Pursuant to the Recommendation the processing of the smart meter data is covered by the Directive 95/46/EC. This Directive however does not apply specifically on the data recorded by the smart metering system. The processing of the data recorded by the smart meters should be regulated by a special act, similarly to traffic and location data.