Public Key Infrastructure

For Secure Energy Networks

Enhancing Security for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs)

Unlocking the full potential of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) & Consumer Energy Resources (CERs) requires a secure, scalable, and interoperable foundation. At SwitchDin, we are driving the adoption of a robust Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solution to ensure secure communication, identity management, and compliance in networks with high DER/CER adoption.

We deliver comprehensive control, data management, and ancillary services to Australia’s largest regulated network operators, inverter OEMs, VPP operators, and electricity retailers—including SAPN, Endeavour Energy, AusNet, Energy Queensland, AGL, Origin Energy (Brookfield Asset Management), Synergy, and Simply Energy (Engie) - who collectively serve over 10 million customers. SwitchDin also brings extensive expertise in PKI services, reinforced by our strategic partnership with DigiCert. This partnership has enabled us to deliver secure server and client certificate solutions for key clients such as AusNet and Endeavour Energy, building on our success with SAPN’s robust DER security framework.

PKI forms the backbone of secure data exchange, ensuring trust between devices, networks, and stakeholders. Our combination of advanced technology, proven expertise, and industry-leading partnerships sets the standard for secure, scalable, and interoperable DER management.

Why PKI Matters for DER Security

  • Device and Server Integrity

    Mitigating risks of invalid certificates through robust repositories and processes.

  • Secure Certificate Management

    Safeguarding device identities and communication channels.

  • Compliance Testing & Validation

    Ensuring that only certified devices integrate with energy networks.

  • Scalable Identity Management

    Tracking identities of organisations, individuals, and devices securely.

Key components of PKI for DER

Certification Authority (CA):

  • Responsible for issuing and managing digital certificates.

  • Enables secure management of keys, safeguarding the system’s trust.

  • Supports compliance with IEEE 2030.5 CSIP-AUS standards.

Registration Authority (RA):

  • Verifies identities of organisations and individuals.

  • Ensures certificates are issued only to compliant devices and systems.

  • Tracks compliance across deployment scenarios.

Certificate Repository:

  • A centralised list of valid certificates to validate device trustworthiness.

  • Facilitates blacklisting invalid or compromised devices.

  • Supports seamless migration through different certification phases.

Certificate Policy (CP) & Certificate Practice Statement (CPS):

  • Defines the rules and practices for certificate issuance and management.

  • Ensures national alignment and traceability across DER networks.

SwitchDin’s PKI framework supports the transition to a secure, compliant, and future-ready DER network. By working collaboratively with DNSPs, OEMs, and industry stakeholders, we enable a trusted and scalable foundation for Australia’s energy transformation.

Contact us to learn more about our solutions for PKI-based DER security.