1|Page

INTRODUCTION
2|Page

 Introduction:

Since the inception of electricity deregulation and market-driven pricing throughout the world, utilities
have been looking for a means to match consumption with generation. As load demand increases, more costlier and
less efficient power plants needed to be run, such as Diesel Generators, Gas Turbines and older & lesser efficient
Thermal power plants, these plants has also higher carbon emission rate, thereby polluting its surroundings. Pumped
Storage plants are also an option, but they only contribute 5,757 MW, about 1.6% of the total installed capacity.
Therefore, the price of electricity during peak hour goes on sky rocketing.

Recent study reports have recommended a number of “Demand Side Management” measures to reduce
peak demand.
One proposal is for different electricity prices at different times, time-of-use charging (also called cost-
reflective pricing) - to discourage electricity use at peak times (the most costly).
Smart meters provide a way of measuring electricity consumption in near real-time. This allows utility
companies to charge different prices for consumption according to the peak time of day and the season. Since smart
meters can be read remotely, labor costs for meter reading are reduced for utilities.
Smart metering offers potential benefits to customers. These include,
a) An end to estimated bills, which are a major source of complaints
b) Smart meters with a display outside their homes could provide up-to-date information on electricity consumption
and in doing so help people to manage their energy use and reduce their energy bills.
c) These utilities can use the real-time data from smart meters measurements related to current, voltage, and power
factor to detect system disruptions more quickly, allowing immediate corrective action to minimize customer impact
such as blackouts.
3|Page

OBJECTIVE
4|Page

 OBJECTIVE :

The objective of this project is to acquire basic knowledge on ‘Smart Meter’ and to develop an idea about
practical implementation of it.
5|Page

EVOLUTION
OF
SMART METER
 6|Page

CHAPTER – 1

1.1 EVOLUTION OF SMART METER:

In 1972, Theodore Paraskevakos, while working with Boeing , developed a sensor monitoring system that used
digital transmission for security, fire, and medical alarm systems as well as meter reading capabilities.

In 1974, Paraskevakos was awarded a U.S. patent for this technology. In 1977, he launched Metretek, Inc., which
developed and produced the first smart meters. Since this system was developed pre-Internet, Metretek utilized the
IBM series 1 mini-computer.

1.2 Abstract of Paraskevakos’s Meter Reading System:

‘A remote unit, for a remote meter reading system’, the remote unit initiates a telephone call to a central complex at
a predetermined callback time. In response to an acknowledgement signal indicative of a completed connection, the
remote unit transmits indicia of its identity and collected data. The central complex responds with an instruction
word, to control the next scheduled call back time and operational mode of the remote unit. Error code, load
management and demand metering provisions are disclosed.

1.3. Indian Scenario:

India is a price sensitive market and if consumers are told that using electrical equipment during non-peak hours
will cost less, they will shift their usage accordingly. This will help the consumers in reducing their bills and the
distribution companies in managing the rush therefore preventing grid collapses. According to World Bank’s
energy specialist, in developing countries like India the cost of deployment of smart meters can go high because of
geographical structure but the benefits will still be huge because they will minimize the energy theft. The Indian
government and other utilities are taking various initiatives towards implanting smart meters, few of them are:
 In January, WBSEDCL, an Indian utility looking to modernize its aging infrastructure, selected ‘Landis+Gyr’, a
multinational corporation, to deliver 1.5 million smart meters, believed to be the single largest electric meter order
in India. The project is expected to be over by 2013.

 Ami Tech (India) Pvt. Ltd. is designing a 3-phase smart energy meter to cater to the needs of Indian smart grid
requirements.
 Itron inaugurated its first Smart Metering Lab and Knowledge Center in Noida at Itron India. The centre showcases
and demonstrates its smart metering and AMI solutions. It will benefit local utilities, government officials and
other groups by sharing insights and knowledge.
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1.4. Basic Block Diagram for Location of a Smart Meter:

8|Page

Smart Meter
concept
9|Page

CHAPTER -2

2. Concept of Smart Meter

2.1. Definition:
A smart meter is an electronic device that records information such as consumption of electric energy, voltage
levels, current, and power factor. Smart meters communicate the information to the consumer for greater clarity of
consumption behavior, and electricity suppliers for system monitoring and customer billing. Smart meters typically
record energy near real-time, and report regularly, short intervals throughout the day.

2.2. Features of Smart meter:

1. Accurate measurement and transmission of electricity consumption data.
2. Provision of two way communication and gateway infrastructure between the meters and the system.
3. Raising awareness among consumers through delivery of actual consumption data.
4. Improving Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and services, including automated billing/invoicing
based on detailed metering data.
5. Managing energy networks/grids better by shifting or reducing energy consumption, e.g. through Demand
Side Management (DSM).
6. Enabling new energy services for improving energy-efficiency.
7. Encouraging decentralized, micro-generation of energy, thus transforming the consumer into an energy
producer (“Prosumers”).

2.3. Graphical representation of Smart meter:

Smart meter supports bidirectional flow of information. The smart meter is deployed at the end user premises to
collect the information of electrical usage from all the appliances at regular intervals using Local Area Network
(LAN).

The data from individual smart meter is collected by local data aggregators using NAN and then this information is
passed to utility center using WAN. Similarly, utility center also can send some commands or signals or information
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to the smart meter at end user premises when required. The system collects the data from local smart meters and
communicates it to utilities using different wired and wireless technologies involving the HAN, NAN and WAN.
The data communication in HAN is carried by using power line communication (PLC), radio frequency (RF),
Zigbee, Wi-Fi. The data communication in NAN involves, copper or optical fiber, Wi-Fi, general packet radio
service (GPRS) and WiMax. The data communication using WAN includes optical fiber, cellular, Satellite. The
smart meter system communication technologies at end user premises are PLC, RF, Zigbee and Wi-Fi. 

The above graph shows that the global smart electricity meters market size was valued at USD 10.0 billion in 2019
and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 7.8% from 2020 to 2027. On the basis of phase, the market is segmented
into single-phase and three-phase. The three-phase sub-segment is expected to grow at a faster rate than single-
phase. This growth is attributed to its increasing implementation in industrial and commercial applications. The
three-phase electric meters are capable of handling more loads and provide the flexibility to divide the load into
three different phases. The growing number of industries and commercial buildings is expected to drive the
installation of three-phase electric meters. The end-use segment comprises of residential, commercial, and industrial
sub-segments. The residential end-use segment includes suburban/urban apartments and standalone bungalows. The
commercial end-use section consists of all commercial buildings and aligned infrastructures such as hotels,
residential lodges, small to large shopping complexes, and offices. The industrial segment involves product
manufacturing facilities and processing plants.
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The commercial end-use segment is anticipated to demonstrate healthy growth over the forecast period. Growth in
this domain is attributed to the regulatory, administrative framework, and surging awareness regarding reducing
energy consumption and aligned expenses. The residential end-use sector dominated the global market in 2019,
owing to the growing devices requisites to meet energy demand.

2.4. Comparison of Smart meter and conventional meter:

1. Convenience: Smart meter is more convenient as the readings will be transmitted by your Smart meter
automatically.
2. Accuracy: Smart meters mean you won’t receive estimated bills anymore as the meters send your
usage figures to us directly. Traditional energy billing required a degree of guesswork. There’s also
less room for human error.
3. Controllability: On a Smart Energy Display, you can see how much your energy costs you in pounds
and pence so you can keep track of what your bill is likely to be. You can also see when you use the
most energy and where you could use less.
4. Wireless display unit means you can track your energy usage from anywhere in the house.
5. Smart meters help to reduce power outages.
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2.5. Benefits of Smart Metering System:

Smart metering has many advantages like it collects time-wise consumption readings, can control the amount of
power given to a particular house and can be used to lower the losses due to theft. The various merits of smart
meter over traditional meters are listed below

A. From Consumers point of view

i. The system provides rapid access to all customer transaction and payment records which allow with
quick and efficient solution of customer.
ii. Day to day bill is available and thus effective load management by using appliances at off peak hours
which will also result in lesser bill.
iii. No unscheduled power cuts and instead of complete black out some electricity can be provided to every
customer which can be used for running some important appliances as in case of inverters. This will
minimize use of inverters, their charging burden and battery problems.
iv. Any tampering with meter is immediately control. It will reduce theft so tariff rate.
v. Due to remote reading, no need for site visits and hence increases customer’s privacy.
vi. Provides easy pre-payment facility.
vii.LCD display can be programmed to display various facilities including amount of credit left on pre-
payment system.
B. From Electrical Companies point of view
i. Provides power consumption profile data from individual and groups of meters to facilitate energy
management, load research and tariff development.
ii. Provides a low voltage network monitoring system to allow supply outages to be quickly identified
resulting in better reliability and improved service levels.
iii. Provides a sophisticated energy loss detection system to identify losses to individual LV feeder level.
iv. The individual meter reading can be channeled directly up to the local substation and then to the customer
headquarters using a PSTN/GSM or radio. This eliminates need for site visit to read the meter and reduces
the human labor.
v. Any tampering of system is immediately reported to central control system. This will reduce losses.
vi. Provides a mechanism for the implementation of Demand-Side Management initiatives involving multi-
rate tariffs and load control. This improves energy efficiency and reduces emissions.
vii.Billing will be fast and easy with the help of automated software controlled billing system.
viii. For reasons of credit control, load management, or load shedding, the meter can be set to disconnect at a
pre-set load or total energy usage and this will prevent grid failure by overload.

C. From the point of view of environment and government

i. As the peak requirement decreases, requirement of new power plants also reduces leading to decreased
greenhouse gas emissions.
ii. Energy efficiency is improved because proper detection of energy loss.
iii. Automated reading system reduces field trips and vehicle emissions.
iv. Efficiency of inverters is very low and replacement of their batteries causes environmental pollution. As
smart metering system can help in providing a substitute to inverters and thus it saves energy and
environment.
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Smart Meter
Architecture
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Chapter: 3

3.1. Basic Block Diagram of Smart Meter Architecture:

The smart meters collect data locally and transmit via a local area network (LAN) to a data collector. The collector
retrieves the data and may or may not carry out any processing of the data. Data is transmitted via a wide area
network (WAN) to the utility central collection point for processing and use by business applications. Since the
communications path is two-way, signals or commands can be sent directly to the meters, customer premise or
distribution devices.
The general block diagram-showing the main and auxiliary sections- of a smart meter design is shown in Figure
below:

Fig: Basic Block Diagram of a Smart Meter

There are three main areas of a smart meter design namely-

i. The power system

ii. Microcontroller
iii. Communications interface.

The power system has a switched mode power supply and battery backup to ensure that the metering electronics
remain powered even when the main line is disabled.

A Microcontroller Unit (MCU) includes an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) and Digital-to-Analog Converter
(DAC) to provide intelligence.

A wired or wireless communication interface allows the meter to interact with the rest of the grid and in some cases
the end user’s network. The advantages of this technology include acceptable latency, large bandwidth and typically
operate at higher frequencies.

3.2. Hardware Design:

A smart meter is comprised of sensitive circuitry and may support numerous communications protocols. In
addition, there are sensing and circuit protection circuits included in the design of the smart meter in which resistors
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are naturally a fundamental part of the electronic design. The metrology AFE revenue-grade measurements rely on
the accuracy of series resistors for current sampling. The different hardware parts are as shown and described below:

i. Power Source: A switched-mode power supply provides power to the electronics in the meter, converting from
the main line alternating current (AC) voltage to the direct current (DC) voltages required. A switch will turn on
the battery backup AC/DC only when there is no power from the main line. The battery remains isolated from
the power system during normal operation.
ii. Measurement of Current and Voltage: The current flowing in the load line is to pass through a resistance in
order to measure reading. For voltage measurement is done by using resistance voltage divider. The Resistance
to be used for voltage and current measurement are to be of high precision and minimum temperature coefficient
of resistance. For proper and cost efficient reading system, analog signal needs to be converted to digital signal.
For this purpose analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is used. Samples or “snap shots” of the analog signals at
discrete instances of time and then converted to numeric values using ADC.
There are various types of ADC, some of them are - Successive Approximation (SAR), Flash (Parallel) and Half
Flash, Integrating (Dual Slope), Voltage to Frequency and Sigma Delta (Σ-Δ).

iii. Microcontroller Unit Selection: The microcontroller is of central importance in the design of smart meters.
There are several possible levels of integration with the other functional blocks in the system. Two-chip
architecture for a smart meter illustrates three possible architectures for a smart meter that includes Analog Front
End (AFE) metrology, ADC and Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The first is a two-chip solution that provides
flexibility for system upgrades. Second is a single-chip solution with tight hardware and software integration,
making it less flexible for upgrades or modification.
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Given the need for very low power consumption, microcontrollers like the MSP430 are ideal for any metering
application. An advanced electronic meter requires a micro controller unit (MCU) that offers precise
measurements over a wide dynamic range, programmable flash, non-volatile storage, real-time clock function,
flexible display and AMR-enabled communications features. The application layer for the smart electricity meter
may require an additional functional unit to the primary. The MCU will typically require large amount of on-chip
flash and connectivity. This can be MSP430 with devices going up to 256kB flash.
TI’s F28x controller platform provides a cost-effective means to implement PLC technology. Along with
advanced DSP cores, the controllers integrate robust peripherals such as analog-to-digital converters (ADCs),
timers and pulse-width-modulation (PWM). F28x controllers offer a unique combination of 150 MIPS of 32-bit
control-optimized performance and system integration. This high level of system integration simplifies design
and keeps control systems compact and cost-efficient.

iv. GSM/GPRS Module Selection:

Transceiver communication can be achieved using a variety of technologies and standards as shown in the
schematic block diagram shown above in figure 2...The communication between the utilities company and the
customer would be carried out through a GSM/GPRS network with the help of a GSM/GPRS module. Using the
Telit GE865-QUAD which happens to be one of the smallest GSM/GPRS Ball-Grid-Array (BGA) modules, two-
way communication can be established.

3.3. Communication Systems:

The meter data is collected and transmitted locally to a local data collector via Local Area Network (LAN) with a
Wireless - Local Area Network (WLAN) System, Meter Data can be displayed to a digital monitor via Home Area
Network (HAN) for display to the consumer.

Local Area Network (LAN) collects all the data and transmits it to the Wide Area Network (WAN) to the central
collection point, where the meter data is to be used for processing and analyzing for business purpose.

Smart Meter communication systems are described in details in chapter – 4.

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Networking
System
Used in
Smart Meter
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CHAPTER - 4

4.1. Introduction:

In 1980s some utilities in USA tried Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) to read meters in hazardous places.
Smart metering or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is a new metering technology which came in early 21st
century. The difference between AMR and AMI is AMR require only one-way communication (meter to utility’s
computer) while AMI require two-way communication between the meter and the utility’s computer. With AMI, a
meter can be programmed as prepaid or post-paid, the firmware inside the meter can be upgraded; and the meter can
be disconnected and connected back remotely. AMI can also deploy advanced software solutions such as Meter Data
Management System (MDMS) that can facilitate a whole new set of new services for the utility.

4.2. Composition of Advanced Metering:

AMI comprises of Smart Meters, Data Concentrator Units (DCUs)/gateways/routers/access points, Head End
System (HES), Meter Data Management System (MDMS) communicating over bi-directional Wide Area Network
(WAN), Neighborhood Area Network (NAN)/Field Area Network (FAN) and Home Area Network (HAN).
Multiple smart meters in a locality can connect to DCU/gateway/router/access points which in turn send aggregated
data to the HES. HES is the software that pulls the meter data to the computer and also sends out utility’s commands
to the meters.
In AMI architecture, a group of meters in a locality will be connected to a data concentrator unit (DCU) over power
line communication or wireless communication via GPRS or other method depending on WAN of the area. Meter
Data Management System (MDMS) collects data from the HES and processes it before sharing with other utility
applications like billing, customer care etc. Home appliances can be controlled using smart meter. It is called ‘smart’
meter because of two-way Machine to Machine (M2M) communications and a remote connect/disconnect switch.
In-Home display (IHD) and smart phone apps display meter data and get confirmation from the consumer regarding
his/her participation in a demand response program. Hence consumers will become informed and conscious of their
power usage.

Fig: Typical Architecture of AMI

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Fig: In-Home Devices

4.3. Architecture of Smart Metering Communication:

In present scenario, Data Concentrator Units (DCU), aggregators and gateways are key elements. These devices not
only increase the total cost of ownership, but also fail to offer reliable, scalable and interoperable last mile
connectivity.
Right now, none of the solutions offer 100% reliable connectivity all the time. The best range often heard is between
95-98%; and in many cases it is well below 90%.

Some popular communication architecture of AMI:

Fig: AMI Architecture Deployed by Center Point Energy (USA)

Fig: AMI Architecture with RF Mesh as Last Mile

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Fig: Emerging Architecture for Smart Grid and Smart City

The smart meter, smart appliances, utility’s Head End System (HES) and other applications can connect to the
Internet and eliminate the need of intermediate entities such as DCUs/gateways. Smart meters and smart appliances
can be connected to the Wi-Fi network in the home/building/campus. Meter data is sent over the broadband internet
which can be accessed by the utility’s HES and received in the MDMS which integrates the meter data with all
utility applications; and applications with consumers on their smart phones.

Fig: Communication Architecture for next generation Smart Metering – IP Metering

[SA=Smart Appliances, SM=Smart meter, HES=Head End System, MDMS=Meter Data Management System]

Rationale for IP metering in India: -

Ministry of Power has proposed to fund the extension of NOFN to all 33kV and above substations as part of
Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)
programs. These schemes are going to provide broadband access to most part of the country as well as create a
dedicated fiber backbone network for the power system.
The advantage of the proposed architecture is that it leverages the existing communication infrastructure, that is,
broadband connection in buildings and homes, and hence reduces the total cost of ownership as additional network
elements such as data concentrator units, gateways etc. are not required. IP networks are scalable and reliable and
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can be monitored and controlled in real time. The MDMS can accept data from different makes of meters, similar to
smart phones of different makes with different operating systems connected on Wi-Fi are able to communicate with
each other so long as the users understand the same language.

Benefits of using home broadband-based architecture for smart metering: -

The broadband internet that is present in almost all homes, buildings and campuses, can be used for providing last
mile connectivity for smart metering. By doing do, devices such as data concentrator units, gateways and in-home
displays will not be needed and highly reliable, scalable last mile connectivity can be provided. Wherever there is no
Wi-Fi, the electric utility may provide Wi-Fi which will be cheaper than other last mile connectivity options.

In the IPv6 regime where every meter can have an IP address, the proposed IP Metering solution can offer multiple
benefits to utilities and governments:
No need for a parallel telecom infrastructure – huge savings in cost of deployment and maintenance for the utility.
No need for separate spectrum for utility applications – instead government can allocate that spectrum to Telco’s
and/or other users for additional revenue.
More reliability, scalability, security and capability to monitor and control – IP networks can be monitored in real
time which itself is a good measure against cyber attacks.

4.4. Communication Technologies:

Smart meter involves automation, communication and IT systems that can monitor power flows from points of
generation to points of consumption and control the power flow or curtail the load to match generation in real time
or near-real time. In order to monitor and control the power flows, there is a need to deploy thousands of
sensors/connected devices. Smart meter uses Machine to Machine (M2M) communication technologies that allow
wired/ wireless systems to communicate with the devices of same ability without human intervention.  M2M
communication uses a device (sensor, meter etc.) to capture an ‘event’ (motion, video, meter reading, temperature
etc.), which is relayed through a network (wireless, wired or hybrid) to an application (software program) that
translates the captured event into meaningful information. M2M is a subset of Internet of Things (IoT). It is
important to mention that the Internet Protocol (IP) addressing system based on IP version 4 (IPv4) addresses have
already exhausted and hence standardization and adoption of IPv6 in the telecom sector will provide an opportunity
of having trillions of devices which can be IP enabled and seamlessly addressable through wireless or wired
broadband connections.

Technology/ Last Mile/NAN/FAN Home Area Network Backhaul/WAN and

Protocol (HAN) Backbone

Wireless 6LoWPAN-based RF 6LoWPAN-based RF Cellular, Satellite,

mesh, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, mesh, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, LPWA, Long Wave
Millimeter Wave Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Radio, TVWS, Private
Technology NFC Microwave Radio
links
(P2P and P2MP)

Wired PLC, Ethernet, Serial PLC, Ethernet, Serial Optical Fiber,

interfaces (RS-232, RS- interfaces (RS-232, Ethernet, PLC, DSL
422, RS-485), DSL RS-422, RS-485)
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Selection of frequency bands:

The sub-GHz frequency bands offer compelling advantages as compared to other (higher) frequency bands. Below 1
GHz, the further down we go, the better the performance will be in terms of range, interference and signal to noise
ratio, penetration and power consumption.

At present, the 865-867 MHz band is the most suitable frequency band for outdoor applications by virtue of the
reasons mentioned above. For indoor applications, the 2.4-2.4835 GHz band is preferred.

4.5. Architecture of M2M Technologies in Smart meter:

The various elements in M2M communications include a Wide Area Network (WAN)/Backhaul Network,
Neighborhood Area Network (NAN)/Field Area Network (FAN), Home Area Network (HAN), sensors, home
gateway, Data Concentrator Unit (DCU)/Gateway and an application/data center. Presence of a home gateway
would be decided by the nature of the application that is being catered to. In Smart metering M2M Technology is
used for the following.

4.5.1. AUTOMATED METER READING (AMR)

AMR is used extensively for HT consumers, distribution transformers and feeders. Both GSM and CDMA
were used in India for AM-R. It is reported that reliability is poor owing to a variety of reasons.

4.5.2. ADVANCED METERING INFRASTRUCTURE (AMI)

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is an integrated system of smart meters, communications
networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customer
premises equipment.
It is pertinent to mention the following:
 • AMI can also be implemented without using a DCU. That is, the meters may directly communicate with the
Utility-HES using any of the technologies that offer wide area connectivity
 • DCU could also be replaced by any other gateways/routers.

Utilities have millions of consumers and hence millions of meters to record the electricity usage. IPv6, with its
‘virtually limitless’ address space, can provide IP addresses to each and every energy meter and thus assists in
making every meter reachable, accessible and controllable from a remote central location. The second aspect is
security. Since security is an integral part of IPv6, enhanced protection can be implemented in an end-to-end
network.

4.6. Benefits of AMI:

1. Reduced meter reading and data entry cost as data is sent to the utility servers automatically using the
communication infrastructure.
2. Reduced human errors and time consumption.
3. Real time energy accounting will reduce the theft and increase the billing efficiency.
4. Reduction in peak power purchase cost because of better estimation of loads and hence the utility can implement
Time of Use tariffs which will lead to shifting a portion of the peak load to off-peak hours.
5. Enabling faster restoration of electricity service after fault by sending last gasp and first breathes messages to
utility server. The last gasp message is intimation to the utility in case of power-off condition and the first breathe
message informs the utility about the power-on condition. This will empower the utility to exactly identify the
affected area and number of customers in case of faults; and the utility’s call center would already have received
information about the fault before the customer calls.
6. Power quality enhancement by measuring specific aspects such as power factor, over/under voltage, over current
etc. which will be sent to the utility server in near real-time.
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7. Asset optimization by identifying segments of overloading and segments of under-loading which is very valuable
information for system planning and upgrades in the most optimum manner.
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Cyber Security
For
Smart Meter
Communication
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CHAPTER - 5

5.1. Cyber Security of Smart Meter:

Smart Metering data is utilized for multiple purposes in Active Network Management (ANM) and ADA.
Authenticity of this data is very important for genuine functioning of the distribution network. Hence, Security
requirements must be considered in communication protocol implementation, data exchange method and network
design.

Smart Metering communication starts from smart meter acting as an interface between customer data network and
distribution data network. While data exchange in NAN is mostly carried out via metering communication
standards, TCP/IP-based protocols are used in WAN communication. Secure Smart Metering communication
provides valid data that result in dependable distribution network management and automation. Different sections of
Smart Metering have their own security issues and possible security threats. Although IT security protocols can be
applied for securing some parts of Smart Metering architecture, but exclusive security demands are also required in
order to protect whole system. In AMR, secure communication protocol must be used to ensure controlled access to
meters as well as customers privacy protection. The AMI should be designed by considering network security
technologies protecting AMI against cyber-attacks. Moreover, all collected data must be inspected before delivering
to the AMM system that manages end-users data in protected databases. Generally, the most important security
aspects of Smart Metering are Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability and Accountability. Table I describes Smart
Metering security requirements by taking the mentioned aspects into account.

Smart Security Requirements

Metering

Confidentiality Privacy for transmitted data/commands in NAN and WAN.

Privacy for customer data stored in MDC.

AMR
Exchanging of data/commands must only be limited to authenticated smart
meters and legitimate MDC. Protection of transmitted data/commands in
and Integrity NAN and WAN against unauthorized access and modification.
Unauthorized local and remote access to the MDC and smart meter must not
be allowed.
AMI

Availability of smart meter internal firmware and communication interface.

Reliable data transmission in NAN and WAN. Availability for stored data in
Availability MDC.

Accountability Any change to the smart meter setting must be auditable.

Data exchange of MDC with other applications should be accountable.

Confidentiality Customer privacy protection by keeping all the databases private.

Access control for any local user/application/device/network connection

accessing to the databases. Unauthorized network access to the AMM local
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Integrity network must be blocked.

AMM Access control for any remote user/application/device/network connection
accessing to the databases.
Authentication of MDC to the control center Gateway before exchanging
data/commands.

Availability High database availability technologies for metering critical data.

Accountability All data transaction from metering databases to other applications should be
recordable.

5.1.1. Lab Setup Description for Smart Meter Cyber Security:

Smart Metering process is partly experimented by using the smart meter, SS supervision device and IEC 60870-5-
104 (IEC 104) simulator. Smart meter measures customer voltage value and sends that to SS supervision device via
DLMS protocol. Then, the SS supervision device (acts as AU with MDC function) transmits voltage value to the
IEC 104 simulator via the Internet. This simulator can be considered as the control center SCADA. Fig. bellow
shows devices layout and corresponded place in accordance with Smart Metering architecture.

Fig: Lab setup Devices

5.2. Smart Metering Security Solutions:

There are various security solutions addressing the mentioned security requirements in Table I. Security solutions
should be selected based on the devices capabilities, network media (wired or wireless), application requirements
and cost. Data confidentiality can be achieved by applying encryption algorithm that protects Smart Metering data
communication against eavesdropping and traffic analysis. Ideally, communication protocols with built-in security
functions should be selected for data communication. While the link layer encryption is used in NAN, encryption at
the network layer, for example IPSec, is applied in WAN.

A. Security in DLMS/COSEM Protocol:

Device Language Message specification (DLMS) is a general notion for abstract modeling of
communication parties. Companion Specification for Energy Metering (COSEM) specifies collection of objects as
the common language for metering data on top of DLMS. The combination is the IEC 62056 DLMS/COSEM that
provides modeling, messaging and transporting of exchanged data between metering devices in the client-server
architecture
Information security in DLMS/COSEM protocol can be classified into four main categories: role-based access
security, peer authentication, transport security and security logs.
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In the first category, read and write access to COSEM data model elements (methods and attributes) is assigned to
the clients based on their roles. Before accessing the LD in a server, clients require establishing an Application
Association (AA) in order to identify the application context. Role-based security access to LDs can be defined in
the server based on the established AA by the client. In other words, security policy is defined with respect to the
AA. Role-based access security is carried out in two stages: first, visibility of server LDs to the clients is based on
the established AA. When permissible LD becomes visible to the client, the second step is to define access right
(read/write) for attributes and methods in the visible LD.
The second category is peer authentication that includes three authentication levels: No Security (NS), Low
Level Security (LLS) and High Level Security (HLS). NS is for public access without authentication. The LLS is
unilateral password authentication in which the DLMS client must send password to the DLMS server. In HLS,
mutual authentication is accomplished by exchanging security challenges between client and server i.e. challenge-
response authentication. Both LLS and HLS take place during AA establishment and the AA is established only if
authentication is successful.
The third security category is transport message security that happens after successful authentication and AA
establishment. In this stage, COSEM data is mapped from data model to APDU in order to create DLMS/COSEM
message for transmission. The payload (COSEM data) of this message can be either non-protected or protected by
cryptographic algorithms in three ways: authenticated, encrypted and authenticated encryption. The Security
Header (SH) is added to the protected messages and determines security policy of the message. Fig. 3 shows
structure of a secured APDU by the authenticated encryption policy.

Fig: Secured APDU with Authenticated Encryption policy

DLMS/COSEM uses the symmetric cryptography suite for authentication and encryption algorithms: Galois
Counter Mode (GCM) with AES-128. The AES-GCM-128 is utilized for both encrypting/decrypting APDU content
and generating Authentication Tag (AT) that is appended to the end of the secured APDU. The AES-GCM-128
operation includes two actions: Authenticated Encryption (AE) and Authenticated Decryption (AD). The AE is
performed by obtaining four inputs: secret key for encryption, initialization vector, plain text and additional
authenticated data (this value is authenticated but not encrypted). The AD module first performs authentication and
then generates plain text by receiving secret key for decryption, initialization vector, cipher text, additional
authenticated data and further the Authentication Tag (AT) that is appended to the end of secured APDU.
The fourth security category is reporting AA events that provide accountability via security events logs. Any
attempt for AA establishment (accepted/refused/unsuccessful) should be logged with timestamp.

B. Security in IEC 104 Protocol

The IEC 60870-5 standard describes communication protocols for transmission of data and control commands in
power system SCADA. The initial version of this standard is IEC 60870-5-101 (IEC 101) that discusses asynchronous
data transmission over serial link. The last version is IEC 104 with same application layer as IEC 101but for
communication over TCP/IP. IEC 104 contains object data modeling in which all required application data for power
system SCADA are grouped in four main types of the information objects: Process, System, Parameter and File
transfer information objects.

The IEC 104 APDU consists of two parts: Application Protocol Control Information (APCI) and Application
Service Data Unit (ASDU). APCI contains control information for managing communication flow. Application data
related to the above-mentioned information objects are carried inside ASDU in which every data element is
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uniquely addressed by Information Object Address (IOA).

Fig: IEC 60870-5-104 APDU structure

In Fig. 4, all APDU sections including data payload (P) is transmitted as the plaintext without any security
assignments. Consequently, this is not a safe protocol for public WAN communication i.e. Internet. However, IT
security protocols, for instance VPN, can be used to improve security because IEC 104 APDUs are transported
over TCP/IP networks.

Smart Metering is necessary for efficient collecting of data from LV network and delivering to utility
information system. Security is an important parameter in Smart Metering communication that must be taken
into account in the design, implementation and operation phases. Secure Smart Metering results in trusty
distribution network management and automation.
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Features of S.M.
By a Leading
Smart Meter Manufacturer
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CHAPTERS – 6

6. Smart Meter Made by Manufacturer Itron:

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Initiatives
Taken by GoI
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CHAPTER – 7
7.1. AMI INITIATIVES IN INDIA:

With electricity demand expected to rise by 79 percent in the next 10 years, India is on a path of transforming its
energy mix with innovation. Along with enhancing energy production, the nation also needs to cut Aggregate
Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to below 12% by 2022, and below 10% by 2027.

Enabling India to achieve this imperative is the smart grid, the first step of which is the creation of Advanced
Metering Infrastructure. A new range of ‘smart meters’ can bring efficiency to how India manages its electricity, by
checking data-entry errors and billing efficiencies, and cutting the costs of manual meter reading through web-based
monitoring system.

With its pioneering role in India’s energy efficiency journey, EESL’s Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP) is
working to eventually replace 25 crore conventional meters with smart meters across India.

7.2. Implementation of Smart Meter In Different locations in India:

KOLKATA: Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has successfully installed over 5 lakh smart meters in Uttar
Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, under Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP). The
meters will enhance consumer convenience and rationalize power consumption.

Haryana: Haryana chief minister, Manohar Lal accorded approval for installation of 10 lakh smart meters in five
districts of the states. For this, a Memorandum of Understanding between Energy Efficiency Services Limited
(EESL) and Haryana Power Distribution Utilities would be signed soon.
The decision is aimed to improve the financial condition of power distribution companies by promoting energy
conservation and tackling issues concerning the payment of electricity bills. In the first phase old meters of five
districts namely Panipat, Karnal, Panchkula, Faridabad and Gurugram would be replaced with smart meters by
EESL.

New Delhi: India's state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has announced the completion of
installation of 10 lakh smart meters across India under the Government of India's Smart Meter National
Programme. EESL has set the target to install 25 crore smart meters over the course of next few years.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech this year allocated Rs 22, 000 crore for the power and
renewable energy sector and urged state governments to implement smart meters in a time frame of over three
years, which would give the consumers the right to choose suppliers and the rates. She addressed the fact that
power distribution companies are under great financial stress and the way ahead is to move towards
implementation of smart meters.
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Uttar Pradesh: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of four public sector enterprises
under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, today announced the successful installation of over 5,00,000
smart meters in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, under the Government of India’s
Smart Meter National Programme (SMNP). The smart meters operational in these states aim to enhance consumer
convenience and rationalize electricity consumption. Uttar Pradesh, with over 400,000 smart meters, has the
highest number of installations till date in India.
Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) in association with EESL aims to replace 40 lakh electricity
meters with smart meters. Since 2018, the smart meters have been installed in the 13 cities – Lucknow, Kanpur,
Varanasi, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Meerut, Moradabad, Aligarh, Saharanpur, Jhansi, Mathura, Bareilly and
Faizabad.

Bihar, August 5th, 2018: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a PSU under the Ministry of Power,
Government of India, today signed two MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) with North Bihar Power
Distribution Company Limited (NBPDCL) and South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) to
deploy smart meters in 130 towns and adjacent rural areas covering approximately 18 lakh customers in the state.

Port Blair, Dec 16: An Agreement has been signed between Electricity Department, A&N Administration and
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a 100% government owned [a joint venture of state-owned NTPC
Limited, PFC, REC and POWERGRID] on 16.12.2019 for Supply, Installation, Commissioning and O&M of
76,000 Smart Meters in A&N Islands. This smart meter will replace old conventional electro-mechanical & digital
meters and the business model is based on Cost-plus model. The project shall be implemented utilizing the funds
available under DDUGJY & IPDS Scheme and remaining through UT budget.

The Smart Metering Project may enable Electricity Department to reduce its Commercial Losses as envisaged by
Govt. of India. This smart metering project will bring around a paradigm shift from manual meter reading system
to automated meter reading system by reducing the human interventions in meter reading system. This will enable
the consumers to monitor their usage and will also facilitate online payment of energy bills.
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Discussion
&
Conclusion
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 Modern society depends tremendously on electricity, and power supply interruptions and outages have significant
negative impact on the quality of lives. In the year 2017-18, billing efficiency was 54.03 %, meaning 46.96% was
not billed at all. Generating total revenue of 5505.75 billion Rs. in the country, with 100% billing capacity it
would have generated about 10,190.17 billion Rs. in total. Therefore, there is a need for efficient management of
the power supply and supply of high quality and reliable electric power to the customers.

 Utilities require proper knowledge of peak or off peak period, power usage pattern, higher frequency of usages
information, two way communications between the meters at the consumer end and management system at the
utilities end, etc. Smart metering through smart meters and smart grid can provide these abilities, and the
consumers can reduce the electricity bills and the utilities can better manage the power supply. Therefore, the use
of smart meter is increasing at a high rate. Implementation of smart grid can be a possible solution to handle the
increasing demand of power use and increasing use of smart meters. Implementation of smart metering and
various algorithms has also the potential to perform power system fault detection, isolation, and restoration
quickly with higher accuracy.
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References:

1. http://ieefa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/ieefa-india_pumped-hydro-storage_mar-2019.pdf
2. https://patents.google.com/patent/US3842208
3. https://patents.google.com/patent/US4241237
4. “Secure Communication of Smart Metering Data in the Smart Grid Secondary Substation” by Peyman
Jafary, Sami Repo & Hannu Koivisto
5. https://www.eeslindia.org/content/raj/eesl/en/Programmes/Smart-Meters/about-smart-meters.html
6. “India’s Power Distribution Sector: An assessment of financial and operational sustainability” by Ajai
Nirula
7. Smart Metering in Electric Power Distribution System” Karan Gandhi and Hari Om Bansal Electrical and
Electronics Engineering Department, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
8. “ Hardware Design of a Smart Meter” by Ganiyu A. Ajenikoko, Anthony A. Olaomi
9. Smart Meter Specification from CENTRON II, CENTRON C2SXD Model Smart Meter.