Cybersecurity in the context of demand-flexible networked appliances is an important issue globally as the number of connected devices and total associated load is already large and is increasing rapidly.

In order to effectively manage and optimize electricity supply networks, electricity organizations utilize the opportunity to manage millions of connected Demand Flexible Appliances (DFA) such as residential photovoltaic systems and batteries, electric vehicle chargers and home air conditioning systems. This ability to digitally access these DFA introduces a level of risk arising from the opportunity for individuals and organizations with dishonest intentions to cause potential disruption to electricity supply, electricity price or to bring about other consequences such as data theft.

This report focuses mainly on issues that have the potential to disrupt the electricity supply system. This work has included researching current and potential future threats in relation to demand flexible networked appliances, investigating what is being done, or considered, by relevant organizations and jurisdictions, and summarizing the issues that policy makers should consider in relation to minimizing and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

The research involved in this project comprised literature/internet based research, discussions with a number of stakeholders and was supplemented by the authors’ knowledge and experience of this subject.