Online Data Validation for Distribution Operations Against Cybertampering

In recent development of ubiquitous computing on home energy management systems, additional IP-based data collection points are utilized to acquire electricity usage directly from consumers. As cybertampering can disrupt the accuracy of billing information, a well-structured cyberdefense mechanism is required to validate the availability and integrity of metering data for a customer billing center. This paper proposes an online data validation framework to verify home energy meters (EMs) in a secondary network with real-time measurements from feeder remote terminal units (FRTUs) in primary network. A potential cybertampering is identified based on three levels: 1) feeders; 2) subsystems; and 3) customers. This framework attempts to identify malicious consumers and their locations based on historical consumption pattern and network operating conditions in real time. The proposed framework is demonstrated to detect tampering activities using a realistic 12.47-kV distribution network. Results show that the data validation framework can accurately identify subsystems with tampered meters. This framework allows the system operator to restrict the search area to a manageable number of meters in a subsystem.