Exploring Blockchain-Secured Data Validation in Smart Meter Readings

Sarah Tahir Bokhari, Tehreem Aftab, Ibrahim Nadir, Taimur Bakhshi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Current resource consumption monitoring systems such as utility meters allow for easy manipulation to give incorrect readings and generate corrupt bills leading to huge financial losses for utility companies. In order to limit this practice, the present work proposes the use of smart meters in tandem with an Ethereum-based blockchain to secure utility (consumption) data. Electricity generation and smart metering is taken as case-study and the proposed design is benchmarked in terms of time complexity, consensus algorithms, and security to ascertain optimal blockchain parameters for practical deployments. Given the relatively nascent and un-tested existing blockchain communication protocols, a custom TCP-based protocol is also developed to address additional re-validation requirements of the metering data exchanged between the blockchain nodes. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the proposed approach highlights a significant reduction in any human interference and errors that may lead to misappropriations in consumer metering and adds a greater degree of robustness to the billing process for the benefit of utility companies.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings 22nd IEEE International Multi Topic Conference
Subtitle of host publicationINMIC'19 Islamabad, Pakistan
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-7281-4001-8 , 978-1-7281-4002-5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 5 Mar 2020
Externally publishedYes
Event22nd IEEE International Multi Topic Conference
- National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
Duration: 29 Nov 201930 Nov 2019
Conference number: 22nd

Publication series

Name2019 22nd International Multitopic Conference (INMIC)

Conference

Conference22nd IEEE International Multi Topic Conference
Abbreviated titleINMIC'19
Country/TerritoryPakistan
CityIslamabad
Period29/11/1930/11/19

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