Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling and measuring the flow of water delivered per transaction of a community water management arrangement, the apparatus having an inlet and outlet, a meter to determine the volume of water delivered and also to adjust data contained in a customer data device, the data device being presentable to an interface for a time period chosen by the customer for a predetermined volume of water, the metering unit and regulator being stopped by removable of the data device or by a management station signal, the management station being capable of receiving information directly from the personal consumer data device and from the personal consumer data device via the apparatus.

Abstract: Use of prepayment mechanisms for alternative energy supply systems and monitoring connected devices. An energy supply system is, for instance, an alternative energy source, such as a photovoltaic array (320) and an overriding prepayment mechanism (312) adapted to control the supply of useable energy (electricity) to a point of use in accordance with predetermined prepayment criteria. The photovoltaic array (320) incorporates, integral therewith, an energy source controller (318) that is in communication with a corresponding controller (316) forming part of the prepayment mechanism (312).