The development of smart metering is making more, and more detailed, data and information on energy consumption patterns available. It will also allow two-way communication between the consumer and the grid operator and supplier. The greater amount and quality of information is very valuable in the context of a liberalised market, as it allows the development of more customised commercial offers. Moreover, because of greater amount of information and two-way communication, customer can take more informed decision as to their consumption patterns. Finally, consumers, including small ones, will be able to provide new services to the grid, such as voluntary load reduction, to help grid operators to manage the system. However, the more detailed nature of the data and information provided by smart meters raise new issues of data security and protection in the collection, transmission and storage of that information.