Promises and Pitfalls of Smart Grid - Smart Grid (R) Evolution: Electric Power Struggles - page 33

Figure 2.2 A panopticon is a design that enables constant secretive surveillance - this
represents a major potential pitfall of smart grid. This image depicts the interior of the
penitentiary at Stateville, United States in the twentieth century. Source: Foccault, 1995.
2.3.1 Diminished Reliability and Security
A dominant pitfall of smart grid is the possibility that instead of making the grid more
reliable and resilient, smart grid has the potential to reduce system reliability. This is
usually framed as an indirect result of the increased vulnerability of integrating tightly
networked computerized control systems into the electricity grid. Cybersecurity risks have
emerged as an increasingly pressing geopolitical issue as militaries around the world
actively engage in cyber probes, attacks, and warfare. Vulnerabilities in the electricity
system are the focus of increased political attention (Campbell 2011 ) . Improved
communication between electricity providers and meters at individual homes and
businesses opens the door to hackers who could gain control of electric power at the
household, neighborhood, or even regional level (Robertson 2009 ).
Compared to the traditional grid, smart grid could result in an increase in strategic
vulnerabilities to a diverse array of attacks, ranging from simple jamming devices to
sophisticated attacks on nuclear power plants (Levitt 2011 ) . The vulnerability of the U.S.
electricity system has been highlighted by repeated cyber probes from several countries,
including Russia, China, and Iran (U.S. House of Representatives 2013 ). It is possible
that smart grid could make electricity systems more vulnerable to the most commonly
encountered risks from malware, or software used to disrupt computer operation, gather
sensitive information, and gain illicit access to computer systems. Security experts warn
that,inaworldwheretheInternetpenetrateseverysignificantsectorandsystem,thegoalis