Abstract: A system for remote transfer and collection of data such as quantities of energy of fluid measured by a utility meter. Each meter includes a unit for storing and transmitting date from the meter to a remote data collector via at least one common wire connection. The switch contains a memory having a unique ID code. The switch is selectively closed in response to an interrogation signal bearing the ID code of the switch in order to enable a stream of data to pass from the meter to the data collector, this stream of data including a meter identity indication different from the switch ID code.