Enhancing Security of Smart Energy Meter Data Using Blockchain Technology

Abstract

People recognize the Internet of Things (IoT) as a transformative innovation. That facilitates the connection of numerous things to the Internet. However, this interconnectivity also gives rise to apprehensions over the security and confidentiality of delicate information, requiring enhanced precautions. The networks have weaknesses that might be applied to initiate assaults and gain unauthorized access. Blockchain is a cryptographic protocol that ensures secure storage and transmission of data across a decentralized network. It preserves an impervious and immutable ledger of information that is distributed among several network nodes. This study proposes a prototype that combines blockchain and IoT technologies to address security issues in the realm of IoT efficiently. The data is securely delivered in an encrypted format from smart meters daily at consistent intervals to blockchain nodes. Thereafter, these transactions are recorded in a ledger, whereby a proof-of- work technique is used to generate a new block. The data is generated from smart meters then provided to blockchain nodes daily, and subsequently documented in a ledger. Every day, the monthly bill values for a specific meter are determined by calculating the total energy consumed each day using the smart meter readings retrieved from the blockchain blocks.