LAW 868 - Smart Grid: Sec. Prov. & Ecn

College of Law
3 credit(s) Irregularly

Rapid deployment of advanced communication and networked computer control is revolutionizing the electric power system. The “Smart Grid” as it is often referred to, is allowing greater decentralizations, potentially greater energy efficiency, and lower environmental impacts. The data being exchanged will be highley personal and granular, potentialy compromising individual privacy and safety. If not done correctly, decentralized control will dramatically increase the range and severity of cyber security ventures.

This highly interdisciplinary, team-taught course covers the fundamental engineering, economic, and legal principles underlying the smart grid. It focuses on building the skills needed to design and test the protocols, policies, and specifications for enabling technologies that will guarantee the security and integrity of the grid while preserving personal privacy and providing maximum market flexibility with minimal need for new regulation. Students who complete the course will be able to integrate four perspectives - technology, security, economics, and law - allowing them to lead the development of the next generation electric grid. It focuses on building the skills needed to design and test the protocols, policies, and specifications for enabling technologies that will guarantee the security and integrity of the smart grid while preserving personal privacy and providing maximum market flexibility with minimal need for new regulation. Students who complete the course will be able to integrate four perspectives - technology, security, economics, and law - allowing them to lead the development of the next generation electric grid.