SMART METER

PROJECT
NAME

JALPAIGURI GOVT. ENGINEERING COLLEGE

DEPT: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

SEMESTER: 8TH
PROJECT CODE: 784
 JALPAIGURI GOVERNMENT
ENGINEERING COLLEGE

PROJECT ON: SMART METER

Project report submitted by:

NAME ROLL NO SIGNATURE

RAJESH DHALI 16101102029

SAMBED MUNDA 16101102047

RIYA GHOSH 16101102051

AAYUSHMAN CHOWDHURY 16101102060

MAHADEV MANDAL 17101102088

RITUPARNA NAG 17101102098

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We are extremely grateful to our Project supervisor Prof.T.K.Mondal
a member of faculty in the department of electrical engineering,
Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College, without whose
valuable advice and untiring efforts it would have been an uphill
task for us to complete our project work successfully. She gave her
cordial effort more than the scheduled time to materialize our
project work. We owe our gratitude and indebtedness to her from
the core of our heart. We are also thankful to Dr. G.K. Panda, Prof. &
Head, Dept. of Electrical Engineering, for providing us the opportunity
to pursue our project work.
Thanking all concerned ones again.

Rajesh Dhali Roll: 16101102029

Sambed Munda Roll: 16101102047

Riya Ghosh Roll: 16101102051

Aayushman Chowdhury Roll: 16101102060

Mahadev Mandal Roll: 17101102088

Rituparna Nag Roll: 17101102098

 FOREWORD

I have immense pleasure in certifying that the project on "SMART

METER" submitted to the department of Electrical Engineering,
Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College is bonafied record of
work performance by the group of final year students Rajesh Dhali
(16101102029), Sambed Munda (16101102047), Riya Ghosh
(16101102051), Aayushman Chowdhury (16101102060), Mahadev
Mandal (17101102088), Rituparna Nag (17101102098), of the
Electrical Engineering department ,is result of their combined and
untiring effort under my guidance and supervision. The main object
of this is to help students to actively pursue their skills, most
effectively applying the knowledge they have already acquired to
reach a satisfactory solution of an engineering problem, particularly
those involving the process. I think they will be able to deal boldly
with such problem in the practical field in the future. I wish all
success in their future life.

Date: Signature:

Prof. T.K. Mondal

Department of Electrical Engineering
Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College
 Department of Electrical Engineering

Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College

Jalpaiguri-735102

Certificate
This is to certify that the project Report entitled, “Smart Meter”
submitted by Rajesh Dhali (16101102029), Sambed Munda
(16101102047), Riya Ghosh (16101102051), Aayushman Chowdhury
(16101102060), Mahadev Mandal (17101102088), Rituparna Nag
(17101102098) in partial fulfilment for the requirements for the award
of Bachelor of Technology Degree in Electrical Engineering from
Jalpaiguri Government Engineering College, Jalpaiguri-735102, is an
authentic work carried out by them under supervision and guidance
of Prof. T.K. Mondal. To the best of our knowledge, the matter
embodied in the thesis has not been submitted to any other
University / Institute for the award of any Degree or Diploma.

Date: June 26, 2020 Signature:

Head of the Department

Dr. Goutam Kumar Panda

Department of Electrical Engineering

Jalpaiguri Goverment Engineering College

 INDEX

SL Topic Name Page Number

No.
1 Introduction 1- 2
2 Objective 3-4
3 Evolution of smart meter 5-7
4 Concept of smart meter 8 - 12
5 Smart Meter Architecture 13 - 16
6 Networking System used in Smart 17 - 23
Meter
7 Cyber Security for Smart Meter 24 - 28
Communication
8 29 - 31
Features of S.M. By a Leading Smart
Meter Manufacturer
9 32 - 34
Initiatives Taken by GoI
10 Discussion & Conclusion 35 - 36
11 References 37
1|P ag e

INTRODUCTION
2|P ag e

 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|P ag e

OBJECTIVE
4|P ag e

 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|P ag e

EVOLUTION
OF
SMART METER
 6|P ag e

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.
7|P ag e

1.4. Basic Block Diagram of Smart Meter:

8|P ag e

Smart Meter
concept
9|P ag e

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:

10 | P a g e

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 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.
11 | P a g e

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.
12 | P a g e

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.
13 | P a g e

Smart Meter
Architecture
14 | P a g e

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.
15 | P a g e

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 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.
16 | P a g e

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.
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.

17 | P a g e

Networking
System
Used in
Smart Meter
18 | P a g e

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

19 | P a g e

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

20 | P a g e

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
21 | P a g e

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 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.
22 | P a g e

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

Protocol Network and
(HAN) Backbone
Wireless 6LoWPAN-based RF 6LoWPAN-based Cellular, Satellite,
mesh, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, RF LPWA, Long Wave
Millimeter Wave mesh, ZigBee, Wi- Radio, TVWS,
Technology Fi, Private
Bluetooth, Z- Microwave Radio
Wave, links
NFC (P2P and P2MP)

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

interfaces (RS-232, RS- Serial interfaces Ethernet, PLC, DSL
422, RS-485), DSL (RS-232, RS-422,
RS-485)

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.
23 | P a g e

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.
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.
24 | P a g e

Cyber Security
For
Smart Meter
Communication
 25 | P a g e

CHAPTER - 5

5.1. Cyber Security of Smart Meter:

Smart Metering data is utilized for multiple purposes in 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
and Integrity transmitted data/commands in NAN and WAN against
unauthorized access and modification.
Unauthorized local and remote access to the MDC and smart
AMI meter must not be allowed.

Availability of smart meter internal firmware and communication

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

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

Data exchange of MDC with other applications should be
accountable.
26 | P a g e

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
AMM Integrity access to the AMM local network must be blocked.
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.
27 | P a g e

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.
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.
28 | P a g e

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 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.
29 | P a g e

Features of S.M.
By a Leading
Smart Meter Manufacturer
30 | P a g e

CHAPTERS – 6

6. Smart Meter Made by Manufacturer Itron:

31 | P a g e
32 | P a g e

Initiatives
Taken by GoI
 33 | P a g e

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.
34 | P a g e

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.
35 | P a g e

Discussion
&
Conclusion
 36 | P a g e

 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.
37 | P a g e

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.