Government Energy Policy, Business and Technology

Smart meter readings are a valid 'warrantless search,' court rules

Utility Dive: At a time when grid modernization efforts and advanced meter rollouts are colliding with personal privacy and data security issues, Naperville Smart Meter Awareness v. City of Naperville is a case to consider. The court's determination that smart meter readings constitute a search that does not require a warrant is important — as are the court's warnings and caveats.

Privacy advocates claim the meter readings constitute an unreasonable search. They warn the data smart meters collect can be used to determine a host of information, including: when the home is vacant; sleeping and eating routines; what specific appliances are in the home and when they are used; and charging data for plug-in vehicles that can be used to identify travel routines and history.

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