A secure cloud architecture for data generated in the energy sector

Abstract

In urban cities, intelligent devices such as smart meters are deployed extensively and these provide comprehensive real-time snapshots of energy consumption patterns to the electric power utility (EPU). This data can be leveraged by the EPU, other third-party solution providers or consumers themselves to make informed and smart decisions that enable sustainable power consumption. However, managing vast amounts of meter data generated at a regular basis in a secure and economical manner is not a trivial task. We propose a cloud-based architectural model that leverages recent developments in standardized data access and encryption techniques to enable flexible, secure and economical management of energy data. We also present a prototype of a mobile application that performs analytics on meter data to provide information to consumers that will incentivize more sustainable power consumption patterns.