Smart Meters - Public Service Commission

Smart Meters Start Getting Hacked
In Both Low Tech and High Tech Fashion
by Karl Bode Wednesday 11-Apr-2012
While smart meters help save utilities money on truck rolls while improving data
collection -- the migration hasn't been without issues, with many people reporting that
the devicesinterfere with their home networks or decimate connectivity to their regional
WISP. Brian Krebs has obtained an FBI bulletin warning that smart meter hacking is
also on the rise. While you'd expect wireless meters to ultimately see remote hacking,
the initial hacks are decidedly low tech -- such as simply placing a strong magnet on the
device:
The bureau also said another method of attacking the meters involves placing a strong
magnet on the devices, which causes it to stop measuring usage, while still providing
electricity to the customer....The altered meter typically reduces a customer’s bill by 50
percent to 75 percent. Because the meter continues to report electricity usage, it appears
be operating normally. Since the meter is read remotely, detection of the fraud is very
difficult.
Krebs notes that tools are in development that could allow for the interception of
administrative credentials to access the devices. As we've noted with interference issues,
users can opt out of having newer meters installed, but it often comes with monthly fees
up to $20.
Smart Meters: not so smart an idea
The Observation Post
By Vicki Crawford
Posted September 29, 2011 at 11:28 p.m.
Not long ago Florida Power and Light sent out a notice to its customers of its
plan to upgrade some equipment by replacing the analog electric meters with
the new Smart Meters. I had intended to send a letter to FPL to decline the
new meter, even wrote up a draft of the letter to send, but I had gotten sidetracked
with something else, and forgot the letter. The letter didn't get sent.
Shame on me.
A few days ago the power suddenly went out, and I heard someone moving
around out in the back yard. Upon investigating the matter I found an FPL