Digital Privacy and Cyberphysical Security Perspectives of Grid-Edge Power Systems and Markets

Grid-edge technologies are altering the traditional topology and functionality of the power grid, in which electricity flows only downstream. Distributed energy resources (DERs) are being increasingly incorporated into the bi-directional grid topology using modern communication technologies, further decentralizing power generation. Since the intelligent grid relies so heavily on bi-directional communication and the transaction of data, safeguarding user identities and sensitive information online is of paramount importance. This study evaluates the maturity of various grid-edge technologies and use cases, including DERs, smart metering, electric vehicles, microgrids, and local energy markets using a criteria-based analysis. The focus is on digital privacy and cybersecurity, as well as other related aspects that may arise when implementing these grid-edge technologies. Furthermore, both established and emerging technologies, as well as proven procedures for safeguarding sensitive information, are scrutinized. The collective expert opinion is collected via a tailored survey to capture the broader engineering judgment of the authors. This systematic assessment considers interdisciplinary criteria such as technological, economic, and regulatory maturity, as well as threats to user privacy, cybersecurity, and physical safety.