Green Button Privacy

The Future of Privacy Forum applauds today’s announcements by companies that are implementing the Administration’s plan for a Green Button to allow consumers access to the energy data. Providing consumers access to this data will set the stage for new services that provide consumers with more control over how they manage their power use and how they use devices and appliances.

Access to data provides transparency that enhances privacy, but access to data can also lead to privacy risks if data is shared inappropriately or misused. With responsible practices in place, companies that seek to use energy data on behalf of consumers can empower users by providing useable controls and privacy friendly options. FPF is pleased to be working with a number of companies, as well as the NIST Smart Grid Privacy Subgroup and the Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative on helping define consumer friendly smart grid research and practices.