The need to distinguish between Smart Home and Smart Grid

June 25, 2010

There is still no clear definition of Smart Grid. Many people think Smart Grid means Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), that is, the meters. Another frequently mentioned aspect of Smart Grid is home automation including smart dishwashers, etc. Where are the Smart Grid discussions about substation automation, plant automation, advanced control center applications – the grid?  The reason cyber security of the Smart GRID is important is the potential for shutting down the grid for months.

There is still no clear definition of Smart Grid. Many people think Smart Grid means Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), that is, the meters. Another frequently mentioned aspect of Smart Grid is home automation including smart dishwashers, etc. Where are the Smart Grid discussions about substation automation, plant automation, advanced control center applications – the grid?  The reason cyber security of the Smart GRID is important is the potential for shutting down the grid for months. That will not happen with AMI or intelligent dishwashers, but could with inadequately secured substations, control centers, and power plants. I believe there should be two different efforts - Smart Home and Smart Grid. That distinction can help to distinguish between the IT solutions for “Smart Home” and the ICS solutions for “Smart Grid”.
Joe Weiss