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Why Did Police Get Your Smart Meter Data Without a Warrant?
Smart meters track how much power homes use. People worry this tech can be misused. In Sacramento, California, a big problem came to light. The power company gave police customer data for ten years—without court permission.
The Surveillance Program
The energy company SMUD watched its customers’ electricity use. When homes used lots of power, SMUD told police. Why? They thought people were growing cannabis illegally. Over 33,000 homes got reported to police.
But here’s the catch. High power use doesn’t mean crime. Big houses, air conditioners, and heat pumps all use lots of electricity. SMUD kept lowering what they called “suspicious”:
- 2014: 7,000 kWh per month
- 2023: Just 2,800 kWh per month
One SMUD worker even admitted using 3,500 kWh themselves.
Who Got Hurt?
Innocent people faced scary situations. Police showed up with guns at homes. Some reasons for high power use were:
- Medical equipment
- Cryptocurrency mining
- Large households
- Health conditions
One man from Vietnam had high electricity bills because of medical gear for a spinal injury. Police accused him of growing cannabis and threatened arrest when he asked for a warrant. He had never grown cannabis.
How This Got Stopped
The Electronic Frontier Foundation exposed this in July 2025. They sued SMUD and Sacramento with help from a law firm. The court case happened in October 2025.
A judge stopped the program. SMUD paid $94 million in fines. This massive spying operation was ruled illegal.
What This Means for You
Smart meters give detailed info about your daily life. When power companies share data without warrants, your privacy disappears. This case shows why legal protection matters. Companies can’t just hand over your information because police ask.
The good news? Courts are protecting citizens. The bad news? It took ten years and a lawsuit to stop this.