Privacy

California regulators established privacy and security rules for smart grid elements such as smart meters. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unanimously approved rules to prohibit utilities or others from using consumer data for purposes other than utility operations without individual written customer consent. Earlier at the CPUC meeting consumers complained about smart meters causing health problems, an issue that earlier in the year prompted the CPUC to start an opt-out program for consumers who do not want one of the new meters. That proceeding is now ongoing.