The Challenges and Risks facing ICT in the Management and Operation of the Smart Grid

Abstract

The Smart Grid integrates the traditional electrical power grid with information and communication technologies (ICT). Such integration empowers the electrical utilities providers and consumers and improves the efficiency and the availability of the power system while constantly monitoring, controlling and managing the demands of customers. Through the Smart Grid, the power system becomes smart by communicating, sensing, controlling and applying intelligence. It also keeps the environment free from pollution; minimizes the cost; and ensures effective operations against all types of hazards and danger. Smart Grid is a huge complex network composed of millions of devices and entities connected with each other through wireless communications techniques including Home Area Networks (HANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). Such a massive network comes with many security concerns and vulnerabilities. This paper highlights the complexity of the Smart Grid network and the challenges that exist in securing the smart power grid and the countermeasures and solutions applied for information and communication networks to secure Smart Power Grid. The paper concluded by overviewing the key functions and benefits of using the Smart Grid technology and how this affects human livelihood, economy and the environment.