Malicious ramp-induced temporal data attack in power market with look-ahead dispatch

Abstract

We present a new class of cyber attack on state estimation, which may lead to financial arbitrage in power markets with time-coupled look-ahead dispatch models. It is shown that in look-ahead dispatch, attackers can manipulate the limits of ramp constraints of generators, withhold their generation capacity, and consequently make a profit. The feasibility and economic impact of such cyber attacks on real-time electricity market operations are illustrated in the IEEE 14-bus system.