GB2438888A

GB2438888A - Purchasing credit for a prepay utility meter through a transaction unit

Info

Publication number: GB2438888A
Application number: GB0611143A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Saunders; Christopher Shelley
Original assignee: Actaris UK Ltd
Current assignee: Actaris UK Ltd
Priority date: 2006-06-06
Filing date: 2006-06-06
Publication date: 2007-12-12
Also published as: GB0611143D0

Abstract

A method and system for purchasing credit for a prepay meter comprises a meter, a transaction unit, an information key or token and a remote transaction server. In normal operation the key is inserted into meter and information is exchanged with the meter such as the amount of prepay credit available. To purchase additional credit the token is inserted into a transaction unit, the transaction unit being in communication with a remote transaction server storing details of the customer's bank account or credit card. The token is then updated with information reflecting the amount of supply purchased. On reinsertion into the meter, the updated information relating to the payment is transferred to the meter. The transaction may also be used for part payments or settlement of a bill. The transaction unit may be located in the user's home or at a central point accessible by a large number of users. In a further embodiment the transaction unit may be incorporated into the meter. The key may also carry additional information written to the key by the meter or by the transaction unit. This may include usage information, new software or tariff information. The key maybe used for one of several meters which use the same transaction unit.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PURCHASING ENERGY AND CORRESPONDING

TRANSACTION UNIT

The present invention relates to the way a consumer can purchase and use energy (water, gas, heat or electricity) delivered by a utility.

CurrentLy, consumers for domestic energy can be cLassified in two categories, nameLy on the one hand, what we could call the "prepayment" customers, and, on the other hand, the "non prepayment" customers.

For "prepayment" customers, a specific meter with a built-in key or token interface is installed at the consumer's dwelling. The meter works once a corresponding prepaid key or token (for instance a prepaid card) has been inserted into the interface and energy is delivered until the amount for which the user has paid for is reached. Then, the user has to go back to the shop or other retail premise in order either to buy a new key, or to recharge his key. Today, the applicant selLs such a specific meter either for gas delivery or for electricity delivery. This solution has however several drawbacks for both the consumer and the utility: The user must leave his house to visit the shop. This is inconvenient to the user, especially in case this shop is far away from the user's house or has limited opening hours. The utility must contract with a third party to provide the vending infrastructure. This is expensive. Both third parties (infrastructure provider and shopkeeper) will take a percentage of the transaction value. The money needs to be transferred first to the infrastructure provider rather than directly to the utility.

For "non prepayment" customers, traditional billing methods are used.

Namely the meter is read periodically by a meter reader or the customer. The meter readings are Loaded into the utilities billing system, and a bilL is generated.

Payment is then made when the bill is received, or via a direct debit arrangement. Here again, the non prepayment solution has several drawbacks: The solution of reading and transferring data manually is slow, prone to human error and expensive. In addition, some premises can not be accessed at any time and there is no way to verify data accuracy. Without accurate meter data, erroneous bills can be generated. This leads to additional cost. In addition such customers do not always reliably pay their bills leading to additional costs and cash flow issues.

Even with accurate reads there is a large time lag between consumption of the energy and paying for it. This is bad for the utility's cash flow, and does not allow the customer to manage his usage of energy as efficiently.

Consequently, none of the existing solutions is completely satisfactory, neither for the customer' side, nor for the utility's side.

A first aim of the present invention is to provide a unique solution which enables simplification of the process of purchasing energy for customers, while being satisfactory for each involved party (namely the customer and the utility).

To this aim, a first aspect of the invention is a system for purchasing energy from a utility, comprising at least a meter at a consumer's dwelLing, said meter being adapted to measure and store amounts of energy delivered to said consumer, and a key or token adapted to store information relating to the purchase of an amount of energy, wherein said meter comprises a key or token read/write interface for exchanging data with said key or token and is adapted to control energy delivery according to information read from said key or token, characterized in that said system further comprises -a transaction unit comprising its own key or token read/write interface for exchanging data with said key or token; and -a remote transaction server storing data relating to said consumer's bank account and/or credit card, wherein said transaction unit is adapted to establish a data communication with said transaction server through a data communication link in order to perform a transaction relating to said purchase, and is adapted to update at least part of the information stored on said key or token as a result of said transaction.

Consequently, a direct transaction can be performed in a very simple way.

The transaction may consist of the payment of a monetary value corresponding to a pre purchase of energy. Consequently, said transaction unit is adapted to write updated information in relation to said payment, and said meter is adapted to authorize energy delivery to the limit of said prepaid monetary value. At the time of the transaction, the consumer may have the possibility to determine the amount of energy he wants to purchase in advance. In this case, said transaction unit is advantageously adapted to write updated information corresponding to said amount of energy, and said meter is adapted to authorize energy delivery until a measured amount of delivered energy is equal to said amount of energy. Alternatively or in combination, the consumer may choose to prepay without knowing in advance the corresponding amount of energy. In this case, said transaction unit is advantageously adapted to write updated information corresponding to said prepaid monetary value, and said meter is adapted to equate said prepaid monetary value into a corresponding amount of energy, and to authorize energy delivery until a measured amount of delivered energy is equal to said corresponding amount of energy.

Transaction may also correspond to post-payment, either totaL or part payment corresponding to an amount of energy which has already been delivered to the consumer. Consequently said meter is alternatively or further adapted to write on said key or token information relating to an amount of energy already delivered to said consumer, and said transaction unit and transaction server are adapted to perform a transaction corresponding to payment, or part payment, or at least billing for a post purchasing of said amount of energy already delivered to said consumer from information stored on the key or token; at the end of the transaction, said transaction unit writes updated information on said key or token as a result of said transaction.

Advantageously, said meter may be adapted to authorize energy delivery depending on said updated information.

Transaction may also result from an agreement between the utility and the consumer that energy will be delivered provided payment has been received within a previously agreed prior timescale (e.g. monthly, quarterly, ...) Consequently, the system according to the invention enables a flexible use for a consumer since it may combine prepayment, post payment and even time based payment.

Said transaction unit may be located at the consumer's dwelling for usage limited to said consumer.

Alternatively, said transaction unit may be located at a free access Location, for usage extended to a group of consumers.

During a transaction, the transaction server may also send to said transaction unit additional information. Said additional information may consist of energy usage profile determined by said transaction server from data read from said key or token by said transaction unit and previously written in said key or token by said meter. AlternativeLy, said additional information may consist of a new tariff. In this case, said transaction unit writes said new tariff on said key or token for further usage by said meter.

In one possible embodiment of the invention, said transaction unit is integrated within the meter. In this case, a single read/write interface can be used for exchanging data with the key or token.

Key or token is preferably associated with a specific and unique identification number linked to the consumer which is also sent by said transaction unit to said transaction server through said data communication link. In this case, transaction can be performed only if said transaction server has first recognized said consumer from said identification number.

A second aspect of the invention is a transaction unit for energy purchase, characterized in that it comprises: -a key or token read/write interface for exchanging data with at least a key or token adapted to store information relating to the purchase of an amount of energy; -means for establishing a data communication through a data communication link with a remote transaction server storing data relating to said consumer's bank account and/or credit card, in order to perform a transaction relating to said purchase, and -means for updating at least part of the information stored on said key or token as a resuLt of said transaction.

Said transaction unit may advantageously further comprise displaying means, and/or a man machine interface enabling a consumer to enter data.

A third aspect of the invention is a method for purchasing energy from a utility within a system comprising at least a meter at a consumer's dwelling and a key or token adapted to store information relating to the purchase of an amount of energy, said meter comprising a key or token read/write interface for exchanging data with said key or token, said method comprising the steps of measuring and storing at the meter amounts of energy delivered to said consumer, and of controlling energy delivery according to information read from said key or token, characterized in that said method further comprises the foLlowing steps: -inserting said key or token into a key or token read/write interface of a transaction unit; -establishing, at said transaction unit, a data communication through a data communication link with a remote transaction server storing data relating to said consumer's bank account and/or credit card, in order to perform a transaction relating to said purchase, and -updating, at said transaction unit, at least part of the information stored on said key or token as a result of said transaction.

Another problem lies in the fact that most existing systems for purchasing energy work only with electricity meters, since they require the presence of a mains power supply which cannot be used for gas or water meter mainly for safety reasons. Typical solutions for gas and electricity use a low power transmitter in the gas meter to send data to the electricity meter or to another unit.

Consequently, a need exists to provide a common solution for the purchase of energy and the transfer of energy data whatever the energy type (typically eLectricity, gas, heat and water).

To this aim, in a specific embodiment of a system according to the invention, the system comprises, for a same consumer, one or several meters for measuring different types of energies chosen among electricity, water, heat and gas. In this case, information stored in said key or token and relating to the purchase of a given amount of energy include the energy's type. Consequently, with the same transaction unit and a single key or token, the user can purchase one or several types of energies from the same utility.

Alternatively, separate keys or tokens adapted for use with several different meters can be delivered to a same consumer who can use the same transaction unit.

Features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -Figure 1 shows schematically the working of a system according to a preferred embodiment the present invention; -Figure 2 shows schematically the front face of a transaction unit, visible from the consumer; -Figure 3 is a schematic functional diagram of a transaction unit according to the invention.

In reference with figure 1, the concept of the invention is to have an ultra low cost vending point or transaction unit 1, preferably located at the consumer's dwelling 2, said unit 1 being adapted to connect to a remote transaction server 3 via a standard communication link 4, for instance the existing telephone line. The consumer has also a key or token 5, and this key is used in combination with transaction unit 1 either to charge one or several electricity, gas or water meters 6a, 6b (transaction corresponding to a prepayment), and/or to enable a customer to send data corresponding to energy aLready consumed for billing or payment purpose (transaction corresponding to post payment).

In case of figure 1, it has been assumed that consumer has chosen to pay immediately each transaction made through transaction unit 1 and transaction server 3 by credit transfer from his bank 7 to utility bank 8. In case transaction server belongs to the utility, there is no other party participating to the transaction than consumer (via his bank 7) and utility (via its own bank 8). As it can be seen from figure 1, in case transaction server 3 does not belong to the utility, transaction server 3 has to communicate also with a separate Customer Relationship Management and bilLing system 9 of the utiLity, in order to notify the utility's own computer systems when a transaction takes place.

In order to provide a secure and reliable means of transferring data, key or token 5 is preferably associated with a specific and unique identification number of the PIN code type linked to the consumer.

Figures 2 and 3 schematically show a preferred embodiment for transaction unit 1. More precisely, figure 2 shows a possible front face of said unit 1, while figure 3 explains the interaction of different components of the unit from a functional point of view. Transaction unit 10 must have first a key or token read/write interface 10 for accepting corresponding key 5 and exchanging data with said key. A keypad 11, or any other type of man machine interface means suitable for enabling the user to enter alphanumeric data, is also provided. Display means 12 will enable to establish a dialog with the user. Of course, other solutions may be adopted (for instance microphone and Loudspeaker), but generally at higher cost. OptionalLy, transaction unit 1 may also include indicator Lights, for instance a red Led 13, and a green led 14, in order to give to the user an indication concerning the transaction's progress. Alternatively, this indication could also been made through specific messages displayed by display means 12. In order to be able to establish a data communication with transaction server 3, transaction unit 1 is also provided with a modem 15 (see figure 3). Transaction unit has also a power supply unit 16 which may supply power to all components either from the main electrical network or from a battery, or both. Inter working of the different components is controlled by a micro controller 17 and corresponding suitable software means (not shown).

A structured walk through of the system operation is explained below: Contract Initiation: In the preferred embodiment, the following steps wilt be sequentially performed: i. Consumer signs a specific contract with utility for one or several energies among electricity, gas and water.

ii. Consumer supplies details of bank card (credit/debit) card or other payment method to be utilised for energy payments. Data relating to said consumer's bank account and credit card can then be stored at the transaction server.

iii. Consumer receives a secure PIN.

iv. Consumer is sent a transaction unit 1 to be plugged into existing phone line of his dwelling 2.

v. Consumer is also sent, preferably in a separate way, a secure key 2 or other types of secure token (smart card, memory card...), said key storing information concerning the consumer and the type of energy for which he has contracted for.

vi. Consumer plugs transaction unit 1 into phone line.

System Usage for Consumer: i. Consumer wishing to purchase energy places his key or token 5 into the corresponding read/write interface 10 of transaction unit 1.

ii. Transaction unit 1 recognises consumer and type of energy from information held on key or token 5.

iii. RED Light 13 is displayed on unit to show operation in progress.

iv. Transaction unit 1 prompts consumer for PIN and energy purchase value(s), and consumer enters the information via keypad 11.

v. Transaction unit 1 dials transaction server 3 and confirms user identity from PIN and details read on key or token 5.

vi. Transaction unit 1 requests energy purchase.

vii. Transaction server 3 authenticates purchase (see point "Purchase authentication" below).

viii. Transaction server 3 collects energy usage information from key 5 via transaction unit 1.

ix. Optionally, if usage data are too old, transaction unit 1 may prompt user to insert again key 5 in meter(s) before continuing.

x. Transaction server 3 may send any additional information pending for that consumer (e.g. a new tariff, or new software for the meter).

xi. Transaction server 3 confirms successful purchase and transaction unit 1 places purchase details on key 5, including additional information of new tariff when existing.

xii. Communication between transaction unit 1 and transaction server 3 is concluded.

xiii. Green light 14 on transaction unit 1 is lit on to show transaction is successful.

xiv. Consumer can remove key 5 and place it in meter(s) 6a or 6b.

Meter Actions (with consumer interaction): I. Key 5 is inserted in corresponding interface 60a or 60b of meter 6a or 6b.

ii. Meter 6a or 6b records key insertion, reads credit information and adjusts internal values accordingly.

iii. Meter 6a or 6b checks key 5 for other additional information (e.g. new tariff) and adjusts internal values accordingly.

iv. Meter 6a or 6b transfers usage information to key 5 with date and time stamp.

Purchase Authentication: i. Transaction server 3 receives purchase request from transaction unit 1.

ii. Transaction server 3 retrieves consumer payment information from information read on key 5.

iii. Transaction server 3 initiates purchase with consumer bank 7.

iv. Bank 7 transfers cash from consumer account to utility account at bank 8.

v. Transaction server 3 confirms transaction complete.

vi. Transaction server 3 compiLes Log for transfer to Customer Relationship Management and billing system 9.

vii. Optionally, if the consumer requires a receipt, a receipt can be issued via email, post, SMS, or other means.

Meter Actions (without consumer interaction): i. Meter 6a or 6b records energy consumption.

ii. Meter 6a or 6b checks credit LeveL and decrements according to consumption in case of prepayment.

iii. When credit Level is below a preset value (can be positive or negative), meter 6a or 6b disconnects the energy's delivery.

iv. Optionally, meter 6a or 6b can monitor time compared to last key insertion inside its read/write interface 60a or 60b, and, If key 5 has not been inserted within pre-defined time, meter 6a or 6b may disconnect the supply.

Optional Consumer Actions: In case consumer wants to get his energy usage profile: i. Consumer inserts key 5 in meter 6a or 6b and then into transaction unit 1.

ii. Transaction unit 1 logs consumption data.

iii. Consumer repeats insertion each day for period of the profile required.

iv. Transaction unit 1 uploads to transaction server 3 and profile is sent to consumer. The profile can be for instance displayed on display 12.

Optional utility action: If utility wants to offer promotion to consumer, during any transaction, transaction server 3 downloads message to transaction unit 1 with promotion or special offer as additional information.

The system as described above can be modified on some aspects without departing from the spirit of the invention: Key 5 is described in this invention as it is AppLicant proprietary technology.

Invention could apply to any other token (for example smartcard, memory card Invention describes usage of PSTN for communication link 4 between transaction unit 1 and transaction server 3 as this is the lowest cost technology.

Communication could equally been made via mobile telephony (e.g. GSM\GPRS\SMS) or mains PLC, or specific cabling or any other appropriate technology (ADSL connection, PC/Internet connection, WI-Fi).

Transaction unit 1 has been described as a premise separate from meter.

ALternatively, transaction unit may be integrated within a meter.

Transaction unit 1 has been described for a unique consumer's usage. It is also possible to provide a free access unit for a group of consumers, for instance in a building's hall, or even in the street.

Advantages of the invention are numerous. Some of them are summarized beLow: -Secure communication of meter data within the consumer's premises -No chance of error in reading of meters -Payment facility accessible 24hrs a day -Low cost transaction unit -A transaction unit using remote authentication to authorise a pre-defined banking transaction -Closer linkage between energy usage and payment -Secure payment -Secure consumer identification -Reduced dependence on third party payment networks (reduced costs) -Cheaper transaction costs -Reduced costs due to billing errors -Reduced billing costs (less or no paper bills) -Reduced call centre costs -Customer can be prevented from going into debt -Can be equally applied to Electricity, Gas and/or water usage -Utility receives regular meter readings -Transaction unit may be used to provide profiling and usage information, or any other free or charged services.

-Transaction unit can be used for purchase of other items (e.g. mobile phone top up).

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A system for purchasing energy from a utility, comprising at least a meter (6a, 6b) at a consumer's dwelling (2), said meter being adapted to measure and store amounts of energy delivered to said consumer, and a key or token (5) adapted to store information relating th the purchase of an amount of energy, wherein said meter comprises a key or token read/write interface (60a, 60b) for exchanging data with said key or token (5) and is adapted to control energy delivery according to information read from said key or token (5), characterized in that said system further comprises -a transaction unit (1) comprising its own key or token read/write interface (10) for exchanging data with said key or token (5); and -a remote transaction server (3) storing data relating to said consumer's bank account and/or credit card, wherein said transaction unit (1) is adapted to establish a data communication with said transaction server (3) through a data communication link (4) in order to perform a transaction relating to said purchase, and is adapted to update at least part of the information stored on said key or token (5) as a result of said transaction.

2. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that said transaction unit (1) and transaction server (3) are adapted to perform a transaction consisting of payment of a monetary value corresponding to a pre purchase of energy, in that said transaction unit (1) is adapted to write updated information relating to said payment, and in that said meter (6a, 6b) is adapted to authorize energy delivery to the limit of said prepaid monetary value.

3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said meter (6a, 6b) is adapted to write on said key or token (5) information relating to an amount of energy already delivered to said consumer, in that said transaction unit (1) and transaction server (3) are adapted to perform a transaction corresponding to payment, part payment or at least billing for a post purchasing of said amount of energy already delivered to said consumer from information stored on the key or token (5), and in that said transaction unit (1) is adapted to write updated information on said key or token (5) as a result of said transaction.

4. A system according to claim 3, characterized in that said meter (6a, 6b) is adapted to authorize energy delivery depending on said updated information.

5. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said data communication link (4) is a standard communication line of a standard communication network, in particular PSTN or ADSL or cellular phone network.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transaction unit (1) is located at the consumer's dwelling (2) for usage limited to said consumer.

7. A system according to claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said transaction unit (1) is located at a free access location, for usage extended to a group of consumers.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, during a transaction, said transaction server (3) also sends to said transaction unit (1) additional information.

9. A system according to cLaim 8, characterized in that said additional information consist of energy usage profile determined by said transaction server (3) from data read from said key or token by said transaction unit (1), and previously written in said key or token (5) by said meter (6a, 6b).

10. A system according to claim 8, characterized in that said additional information consist of a new tariff, and in that said transaction unit (1) writes said new tariff on said key or token (5) for further usage by said meter (6a, 6b).

11. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said transaction unit is integrated within the meter.

12. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises, for a same consumer, one or several meters (6a, 6b) for measuring different types of energies chosen among electricity, water, heat and gas, and in that said information stored in said key or token (5) and relating to the purchase of a given amount of energy include the energy's type.

13. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises, for a same consumer, severaL meters (6a, 6b) for measuring different types of energies chosen among electricity, water, heat and gas, and in that separate keys or tokens each adapted for use with one of said meters can be delivered to said consumer for use with the same transaction unit.

14. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said key or token (5) is associated with a specific and unique identification number linked to the consumer which is also sent by said transaction unit (1) to said transaction server (3) through said data communication link (4), and in that said transaction can be performed only if said transaction server (3) has first recognized said consumer from said identification number.

15. A transaction unit (1) for purchasing energy, characterized in that it comprises: -a key or token read/write interface (10) for exchanging data with at least a key or token (5) adapted to store information relating to the purchase of an amount of energy; -means (15) for establishing a data communication through a data communication link (4) with a remote transaction server (3) storing data relating to said consumer's bank account and/or credit card, in order to perform a transaction relating to said purchase, and -means (10, 17) for updating at least part of the information stored on said key or token (5) as a result of said transaction.

16. A transaction unit according to claim 15, characterized in that it is integrated within a meter at a consumer's dwelling (2), said meter being adapted to measure and store amounts of energy delivered to said consumer, and to control energy delivery according to information read from said key or token (5).

17. A transaction unit according to any one of claims 15 and 16, characterized in that it further comprises dispLaying means (12).

18. A transaction unit according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises a man machine interface (11) enabling a consumer to enter data.

19. A transaction unit according to claim 18, characterized in that said man machine interface (11) is used to enter a specific and unique identification number linked to the consumer and associated with said key or token (5), which is also sent by said transaction unit (1) to said transaction server (3) through said data communication link (4), so that said transaction can be performed only if said transaction server (3) has first recognized said consumer from said identification number.

20. A method for purchasing energy from a utility within a system comprising at least a meter (6a, 6b) at a consumer's dwelling (2) and a key or token (5) adapted to store information relating to the purchase of an amount of energy, said meter (6a, 6b) comprising a key or token read/write interface (60a, 60b) for exchanging data with said key or token (5), said method comprising the steps of measuring and storing at the meter amounts of energy delivered to said consumer, and of controlling energy delivery according to information read from said key or token (5), characterized in that said method further comprises the following steps: -inserting said key or token (5) into a key or token read/write interface (10) of a transaction unit (1); -establishing, at said transaction unit (1), a data communication through a data communication link (4) with a remote transaction server (3) storing data relating to said consumer's bank account and/or credit card, in order to perform a transaction relating to said purchase, and -updating, at said transaction unit (1), at least part of the information stored on said key or token (5) as a result of said transaction.

21. A method according to claim 20, characterized in that said transaction consists of the payment of a monetary value for a pre purchase of energy, in that said step of updating comprises writing updated information relating to said payment, and in that said method further comprises a step of * 16 authorizing, at said meter (6a, 6b), energy delivery to the Limit of said prepaid value.

22. A method according to any one of claims 20 and 21, characterized in that it comprises a step of writing, at said meter(6a, 6b) and on said key or token (5), information relating to an amount of energy already delivered to said consumer, and, said transaction corresponding to payment or at Least biLling for a post purchasing of said amount of energy already delivered to said consumer from information stored on the key or token (5), a step of writing at said transaction unit (1) updated information on said key or token (5) as a result of said transaction.

23. A method according to claim 22, characterized in that energy's delivery is authorized at said meter (6a, 6b) depending on said updated information.

24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 21, characterized in that it further comprises a step of sending additional information from said transaction server(3) to said transaction unit (1) during a transaction.

25. A method according to claim 24, characterized in that said additional information consist of energy usage profiLe determined by said transaction server (3) from data read from said key or token (5) by said transaction unit (1), and previously written in said key or token (5) by said meter (6a, 6b).

26. A method according to claim 24, characterized in that said additional information consist of a new tariff, which is written by said transaction unit (1) on said key or token (5) for further usage by said meter (6a, 6b).

27. A method according to claim 24, characterized in that said additional information consist of new software for the meter.

28. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of entering at the transaction unit (1) a specific and unique identification number linked to the consumer and associated to said key or token (5) is associated, of sending said identification number to said transaction server (3) through said data communication Link (4), so that said transaction can be performed only if said transaction server (3) has first recognized said consumer from said identification number. * 17

29. A system for purchasing energy from a utility as any one herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

30. A transaction unit for purchasing energy as any one herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

31. A method for purchasing energy from a utiLity as any one herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.