Smart grid and privacy: Suggestion of a regulatory framework and analysis of Brazilian progress

This paper discusses the regulation of Smart Grids, arguing that privacy has to be one of its main focuses due to the risks associated to the use of user´s data. In order to address such risks, a regulatory framework of five steps is suggested. The first is to define the purpose of the Smart Grid, the second and third are the identification of the information raised by the legal purpose of it and the potential uses of this information. The fourth step of the framework is to identify ways to protect the proper use of the information. The fifth involves risks and responsibilities allocation. Finally, this article provides a brief overview of the actions that are being carried out by the National Agency of Electric Energy (ANEEL) in order to implement this system; it is argued that privacy has not been considered an issue and that this position that must be revised.