“Major Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks with Smart Meters for Electricity”

My hope is that the following information might also be helpful to others. I recently received a concerning text from Nationalgrid. I was ultimately told the company was replacing my meter with a Smart Meter. In researching, I found Nationalgrid notes benefits of the wireless Smart Meter. However, it does not inform customers that recent research clearly shows there are also major privacy and cybersecurity risks to customers.

In terms of privacy risks, Smart Meters collect detailed data that can reveal personal information and behaviors about customers. This personal data includes but is not limited to: when a home is unoccupied and vulnerable to theft; the number of occupants; sleep habits; details about a person’s lifestyle; the presence of devices; exposure of MAC addresses, TV shows watched, and so forth. The personal data can be hacked or misused in numerous ways. While one source noted Smart Meters “do not significantly interfere with other wireless devices”, others disagree. If ,like me, you sometimes work online from home or office and are required by law to maintain confidentiality, “not significantly” does not aptly protect what legally must be confidential.

In terms of cybersecurity risks , these can include unauthorized access by cybercriminals, manipulation of meter readings, remote disconnection by hackers, malware infections, denial of service, ransomware attacks and more. Such complications can harmfully impact both customers and utility providers causing instability, disruption in service, and operational problems. In Current Research in Next Generation Materials Engineering the article “Data Security and Privacy Concerns in IOT-Driven Smart Energy Meter Systems” , 4/23/25, outlines both pros and cons of smart meters. That might be a helpful resource for those interested.

In addition, Smart Meters are AI -driven. AI can be a very useful tool. Unfortunately, many businesses , often in the interest of quick profits, are leaping into using it too fast without clear knowledge of the risks or well researched protections in place. Understandably businesses want to benefit from the pros of AI ,but AI can be wrong. Most of us who have done online searches have experienced this. There are also risks of AI jumping ahead on its own including with utility companies, in corporate medicine, and many other businesses we use regularly. Despite the significant risks to consumers and public utilities, there are few “guardrails” in place for AI. For example, if AI “misunderstands” systems operations it can go “rogue” making “decisions” that might be harmful. Premature use of AI by many businesses with the best of intentions can significantly compromise privacy and cybersecurity.. More research needs to be done to rein in AI and prevent major risks from AI use.

Nearly everyone uses electricity so we are compelled to decide about Nationalgrid’s Smart Meters . Customer CHOICE needs to be a priority in weighing pros and cons about smart meters. National grid has not only neglected to inform consumers about the risks of Smart Meters”, it has neglected to tell customers (unless asked) that they can opt out of the Smart Meter installations. The monthly fee for a meter reading is then $26 a month especially hard for those retired or on a fixed income . That could push consumers worried about cost to choose a smart meter even if they preferred to opt out. If you have more than one meter on your property, I was told the cost would be $26 for each meter. I have two meters that abut so someone reading the meter could not help but see both. There is no rationale to charge double or more depending on how many meters are in the same location on a customer’s property . In addition, there are concerns about potential health risks, such as cancer in children ,related to Smart Meter use of radiofrequency radiation.

There are two current bills in MA before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (H3551/S2306) that relate to Smart Meter privacy/ security risks, health concerns and elimination of exorbitant monthly charges. Provisions would require utility companies to provide an option for an electromagnetic analog meter with no RF radiation and require written consent for installation of the smart meters. Such bills could put CHOICE directly in the hands of utility customers, whether they want to opt out or prefer installation of a wireless Smart Meter. I hope some of the above might also help others who are, as I was, uncertain about Nationagrid smart meters, perhaps contributing to more informed decision making.



Marsha Hood
Rehoboth, MA