Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an integrated decision support “cockpit” or control center for displaying, analyzing, and/or responding to, various events and contingencies that can occur within an electrical grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining possible theft scenarios at utility meters are described. In some examples, the system receives information that indicates possible tampering of utility meter by a customer of a utility. In some examples, the system uses the information to determine a theft scenario. The system may then use the determined theft scenario as evidence against the customer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for the reporting of status changes, such as but not limited to power outages and/or power restorations, throughout a smart grid system. Through the use of location-based reporting period selection and/or status change report aggregation, embodiments may provide efficient reporting processes that timely and accurately report status change information from the point(s) of the change to a back-end system via an access point.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a geographic location of a beacon is determined by a component integrated within or in close proximity to the beacon and the geographic location is communicated to an external network using a wireless communications channel between the beacon and the external network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling remote devices are provided. In an embodiment, a system can comprise one or more remotely controlled sensors and actuators. The remote sensors/actuators can interface with uniquely identified remote transceivers that transmit and/or receive data. The embodiment can also comprise a plurality of transceivers each having a unique address, and a controller adapted to communicate with at least one of the transceivers in a preformatted message. A sensor can be associated with at least one transceiver to detect a condition and output a data signal to the transceiver, and an actuator can be associated with a transceiver to receive a control signal and activate a device. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for converting higher-frequency output signals from a sensor into lower-frequency input signals for a discrete input wireless transmitter. The circuit includes a differential amplifier, a digital comparator, a digital frequency divider, and a transistor switch. The differential amplifier amplifies the sensor signals as a function of a frequency of the sensor signals. The digital comparator generates a square wave signal by comparing the amplified sensor signals to a fixed reference voltage. The digital frequency divider generates a lower-frequency signal by dividing the square wave signal. The transistor switch generates the lower-frequency input signals for the discrete input wireless transmitter by switching as a function of the lower-frequency signal from the digital frequency divider.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the collaborative charging of electric vehicles. The collaborative charging manages the disbursement of power from a neighborhood transformer so as to increase the efficiency of electric vehicle charging at the residences without significantly altering the existing power distribution and residential infrastructures. Time-flexible loads are shed in order to efficiently allocate energy distribution without compromising the comfort or security of the user. The identities of individual residential power demands can be concealed to protect the user's privacy or made available to further optimize power allocation. The power allocation negotiation may be performed in a residential local demand management client separate from the residential charging station.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an advanced metering infrastructure system that includes electronic meters, each of which being configured to measure and store an amount of energy consumed by each customer and provided with a slave communication modem, a data concentrator for collecting meter data from the electronic meters via a master communication modem that performs wired/wireless communication with the slave communication modems of the electronic meters, and a meter reading server for receiving and managing the meter data collected by the data concentrator. The master communication modem and each of the slave communication modems implement mutual communication interfaces using a protocol stack. The protocol stack includes a network layer, an application layer, and a modem performance analysis layer disposed between the network layer and the application layer and configured to analyze quality of a communication link between the master communication modem and each slave communication modem.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system and method of allocating energy provided by a power source. The system includes a computing device that receives, from meters, observations of energy delivered by the power source to sites. The device classifies the sites into consumption classes, where a first consumption class has complete coverage and a second consumption class has incomplete coverage. The device determines a metric for a characteristic of energy for the first class. The device determines a first demand for the first class based on the metric for the characteristic of energy for the first class. The device generates a sampling distribution of the metric for the characteristic for the second class and determines a second demand for the second class based on the sampling distribution. The device determines a dissipation metric based on the first and second demands.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of smart outlets and a backend system in wireless communication with the smart outlets. The smart outlets are configured to provide electrical power from an electrical system to respective power loads, and configured to measure power consumption characteristics thereof the respective power loads. The power consumption characteristics may include real power, apparent power or a combination thereof consumed by the respective power loads. The backend system may be configured to wirelessly receive the power consumption characteristics from the smart outlets for analysis in accordance with a power distribution schedule of the electrical system, and wirelessly transmit a command signal to one or more of the smart outlets in various instances response to the analysis. This command signal may instruct the respective one or more smart outlets to shed or restore power to respective power loads from the electrical system.

Abstract: The slave suitable for energy management systems in accordance with the present invention is a slave suitable for an energy management system for collecting, from an energy meter for measuring an amount of electric energy supplied from a power source to a predetermined place through a distribution line, meter-reading data including the amount of energy. The slave includes: a first interface unit configured to communicate with an upper device; a second interface unit configured to perform wireless communication using an electric wave with an electric appliance installed in the predetermined place; and a third interface unit configured to perform wireless communication using an electric wave with a communication terminal. The second interface unit and the third interface unit are configured to use the same protocol.

Abstract: An automation controller may wirelessly poll a plurality of remote monitoring devices configured to monitor an electric power distribution system and store monitored system data collected therefrom. The automation controller may be wirelessly coupled to the plurality of remote monitoring devices using a spread-spectrum protocol, such as Bluetooth®. The automation controller may gather the monitored system data using the Distributed Network Protocol (DNP3). DNP3 packets may be communicated as the payload of Bluetooth® packets. The spread-spectrum protocol may limit the number of devices to which the automation controller may be actively connected at one time. Accordingly, the automation controller may couple and uncouple from the remote monitoring devices in a round-robin pattern to collect the monitored system data from all of the remote monitoring devices. The automation controller may provide engineering access and/or collect relay event data using the spread-spectrum protocol and a high-bandwidth protocol.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product provides for power line communications (PLC) over electric power lines includes a device mountable near an electrical distribution transformer (DT) to provide a high speed interface and communicates with one or multiple access devices, which provide low speed interfaces for analog signals or digital signals over RS 232, RS 485, optical, wireless and Ethernet. The device transmits data to/from these access devices over the electric lines to other repeaters over one or more wires of an electrical line or over multiple lines, and serves to strengthen and improve signal quality. Upon detecting a wire or line is having problems carrying data, the data is sent over other wires, and upon power line failures, wireless backup to mobile/GSM and WiMax networks is utilized.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for reducing network congestion in a smart utility meter system are provided. The systems, methods, and apparatuses may include providing, for a utility meter, a first communications interface for communicating with a first network; providing, for the utility meter, a second communications interface for communicating with a second network different from the first network; receiving or generating, by the utility meter, information having a destination; selecting either the first communications interface or the second communications interface; and delivering the information to the destination via the selected communications interface.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of identifying electrical devices in a power management system. The method includes accessing a controller using a server that includes identifiers of the electrical devices. The controller is electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to the electrical devices. The method further includes exchanging data between the server and the controller to correlate the identifiers with the electrical devices. The potential identifiers that may be used to correlate the identifiers with the electrical devices may be stored in an identifier database on the server. In some embodiments, the identifiers of the electrical devices may also be stored in an identifier database on the controller.

Abstract: A characteristic of a first utility meter is detected with a first probe head, and a characteristic of a second utility meter is detected with a second probe head. The characteristic of the first utility meter is dependent on a usage of a first utility metered by the first utility meter, and the characteristic of the second utility meter is dependent on a usage of a second utility metered by the second utility meter. Information related to the characteristic of the first utility meter is communicated from the first probe head to a communication unit, and information related to the characteristic of the second utility meter is communicated from the second probe head to the communication unit. A message is also sent from the communication unit indicating the usage of the first utility or the usage of the second utility.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a Metered-Commodity Consumption Meter (MCCM) utilizing a rotationally occluded optical beam to simultaneously measure flow/consumption and verify operational integrity. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, an existing MCCM may be retrofit by sealably attaching a module containing an optical system which may generate one or more optical beams. Each optical beam may have a defined optical path originating from an optical source and terminating at an optical sensor within the module. In an exemplary embodiment, a Rotational Retrofit Member (RRM) may be attachable to a rotational metering gear responsive to a flow/consumption of the metered commodity. The RRM may have an occluding blade which may partially occlude the optical beams periodically when the RRM rotates. In various embodiments, the MCCM may be retrofit to make the measurement of the metered commodity impervious to external magnetic fields.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device (IED) having an interface for displaying data sensed and generated by the intelligent electronic device and other IEDs on a network is provided. The intelligent electronic device includes at least one sensor coupled to the electric circuit configured for measuring at least one power parameter of the electrical circuit and generating at least one analog signal indicative of the at least one power parameter; at least one digital to analog converter coupled to the at least one sensor configured for receiving the at least one analog signal and converting the at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal; a processor configured for receiving the at least one digital signal and generating energy data; a communication device configured for accessing at least one second intelligent electronic device; and an interface configured for displaying data generated by the at least one second intelligent electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating smart power meter monitoring are provided. The system for facilitating smart power meter monitoring includes a standards-based frame detector, a CDR, at least one 8b/10 encoder/decoder and data links to receive input signals and transmit output signals. The system provides for the conversion of incoming SerDes signals, like those that may be transmitted from an optical module, into UART signals that can be communicated to the smart power meter directly through a UART port of the meter. The method includes receiving SerDes signals from an optical module and converting the signals to UART signals. The UART signals are converted to comply with industry standard protocols for communication with the smart power meter. The UART signals are then transmitted to the smart power meter through the meter's UART port.

Abstract: A system for is provided for using telemetry data based on patient habit information or patient monitoring. One or more patient monitoring devices has a unique patient ID. The one or more monitoring devices acquire patient information selected from of at least one of, a patient's activities, behaviors and habit information, and patient monitoring. ID circuitry is at the patient monitoring device. The ID circuitry includes ID storage, a communication system that reads and transmits the unique ID from an ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. An alarm is at the patient monitoring device that provides an alert only when the patient is in a wake-state. A telemetry system is in communication with the patient monitoring device. The telemetry system includes a database of patient ID's.

Abstract: A meter apparatus, a metering network, and a metering method thereof are provided. The meter apparatus includes a pulse generator, an optical sensor, a spinning disc, and a magnetic sensor. The pulse generator is configured to generate a number of pulses proportional to an amount of a consumed resource. The optical sensor is configured to detect the number of pulses to generate a first signal, and transmit the first signal to a meter reader. The spinning disc is configured to produce an amount of rotation proportional to the amount of the consumed resource. The magnetic sensor is configured to detect the amount of the rotation to generate a second signal, and transmit the second signal to the meter reader.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. Nodes of the service area may communicate with the communication system using a variety of different communication technologies and/or communication protocols. In some instances, the communication system may detect a communication technology and/or a communication protocol used by a node.

Abstract: A reader for communicating with both an eye-mountable device and a display device is provided. The reader can transmit radio frequency power to a tag that is part of the eye-mountable device. The reader can communicates with the tag using a first protocol. Communicating with the tag can include having the reader request data from the tag and receive the requested data from the tag. The reader can process the received data. The reader can store the processed data. The reader can communicates with the display device using a second protocol, where the first and second protocols can differ. Communicating with the display device can include having the reader transmit the stored data to the display device. The display device can receive the transmitted data, process the transmitted data, and generate one or more displays including the transmitted and/or processed data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enabling a user to safely interact with a smart utility meter (1), comprising the following steps:—Transmission by said user of a command signal from a remote handheld electronic device (2) through a short range wireless optical communication link (3) between optical transmitting means (20) provided on said handheld electronic device (2) and optical receiving means (11) provided on said smart utility meter (1);—Reception of said command signal on said optical receiving means (11).

Abstract: A method for communicating energy consumption-specific measurement data elements recorded by a smart meter between a smart meter device and a first computer system of a utility company and/or operator of a measuring system, the device having a security module, said security module serving as the sole communication interface between of the device with the first computer system, the device having configuration data required for its operation, and the device being associated with an indication of those measurement data elements and/or configuration data for which the first computer system has a read access authorization, the method comprising: establishing a first communication channel between the first computer system and the security module, mutually authenticating the computer system and the security module, authentication being carried out with the aid of a first certificate of the security module and a second certificate of the first computer system; once mutual authentication has been completed, transmitti

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at methods, systems, and techniques for measurements and, optionally, auditing of resource meters such as electricity meters. Each of multiple site aggregation units receive measurements from resource meters. Each of the site aggregation units generate a site aggregation digest that substantially uniquely identifies the resource measurements, stores these digests, and aggregates the resource measurements into site aggregation data that is sent to a central aggregation unit. The central aggregation unit generates a central aggregation digest that substantially uniquely identifies the site aggregation data, stores this digest, and aggregates the site aggregation data into central aggregation data that is sent to a resource provider with the central aggregation digest. When auditing is to be performed, the site and central aggregation digests can be used to verify the authenticity of the resource measurements and the site aggregation data, respectively.

Abstract: A sensor terminal which processes a sensor signal output from at least one sensor and transmits the sensor signal being processed to a center device through a network control unit and a communication line, includes a communication interface unit capable of being connected to the network control unit, a sensor input interface unit being connected to the sensor and inputting the sensor signal, and a control unit generating sensor data from the sensor signal input through the sensor input interface unit and transmitting sensor data corresponding to a request signal of the center device which is input through the communication interface unit from the network control unit or active sensor data to the center device through the network control unit from the communication interface unit.

Abstract: A central alarm (CA) unit in a gas monitoring system including gas sensors and gas sensor controllers operatively connected to respective gas sensors comprises a communications module configured to communicate with the gas sensor controllers, wherein each gas sensor controller is configured to communicate with respective gas sensors, and a gas sensor monitoring module configured to receive from each gas sensor controller a signal including status information of the gas sensors operatively connected to the respective gas sensor controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control transmission of messages over a fixed bandwidth communication link from fixed position client or communication devices to a central controller. In one exemplary embodiment, the central controller determines an identifier associated with each communication device, a reporting period during which messages are to be transmitted by the communication devices, and transmission increments within the reporting period. The central controller allocates each transmission increment to a respective group of multiple communication devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present teachings disclose method, system, and programs that utilize a gateway and an optional interactive voice response system to allow remote monitoring of a patient's vital signs.

Abstract: The system (20) according to the invention for calculating an electric quantity relative to an electrical installation comprising several secondary electrical conductors (42A, . . . , 48C) electrically connected to a primary electrical conductor (34; 36; 38). This system comprises a first module (60) including a wireless transmitter (70) and a plurality of second modules (62A, 62B, 62C). Each second module includes first means (84A, 88A; 84B, 88B; 84C, 88C) for receiving a first synchronization message (M1) and second transmission means (84A, . . . , 88C) for sending a second message (M2A, M2B, M2C) containing at least one intensity value measured by the corresponding current sensor to a third module (63). The intensity values are measured quasi-simultaneously and the third module includes a unit (104) for calculating the electric quantity from intensity values received via said second messages.

Abstract: A method for optimized monitoring and identification of AMI device communication failures in an AMI network is provided. A graphical representation of AMI devices is generated comprising nodes corresponding to AMI devices and links representing connectivity between AMI devices. The graphical representation is generated based on data associated with AMI devices retrieved via AMI network in real time. Further, properties of the AMI devices are computed using the graphical representation based on values associated with the nodes corresponding to the AMI devices. The graphical representation is modified based on the computed properties and predefined rules. Nodes in the modified graphical representation are selected and processed in an order based on AMI device hierarchy, priority and criticality. Further, the graphical representation is modified based on processing of selected nodes.

Abstract: System and method for determining consumption of resources to assist a meter reading personnel are described. According to an embodiment, the system includes a processor and an extraction module coupled to the processor configured to extract historical data associated with a meter to be read. The system further includes a prediction module coupled to the processor configured to determine a predicted resource consumption for a current cycle based on the historical data and provide the predicted meter reading to a display device corresponding to a meter reading personnel. Furthermore, the system includes a computation module coupled to the processor configured to determine an actual resource consumption for the current cycle based on an analysis of an observed resource consumption of the current cycle with respect to the predicted resource consumption.

Abstract: A method for operating a monitoring module in a monitoring system. A monitoring module is configured with means for detecting impulse signals from sensors of the monitoring module and from other monitoring modules of the monitoring system, and with one or more groups of functions. A function defines a relation between an impulse signal detected by a monitoring module and a monitoring response of the monitoring module, and each group of functions corresponds with one level of hierarchy of monitoring modules of the monitoring system. One or more impulse signals from a sensor of the monitoring module and/or from another monitoring module of the monitoring system are detected; and a prevailing set of functions in a group of functions is determined. One or more monitoring responses are then determined with the prevailing set of functions.

Abstract: A multifunction electronic device generally involving a processor, a power source in electronic communication with the processor; and wireless communicator, the wireless communicator in electronic communication with the processor and the power source. The processor controls the wireless communicator in a manner that minimizes power consumption by the multifunction electronic device, whereby the power source is conserved. The multifunction electronic device serves at least one function, such as a register device or a remote device. The multifunction electronic device wirelessly communicates with a remote server, such as a cloud-based server, and performs metering measurements by way of a magnetic field sensor for enhancing accuracy of such measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying which of several candidate service transformers is powering a specific service point an electrical distribution grid are disclosed. An audio-frequency electrical signal, the detection signal, is injected onto the power line at the service point via a meter socket or electrical outlet. The Transmitter for the detection signal may be a portable device or it may be incorporated into an electrical meter. The audible or mechanical resonance caused in the service transformer by the detection signal is detected and recorded using an accelerometer or directional microphone in a Receiver. A variety of methods for fixing the Receiver at or in proximity to the service transformers are disclosed in order to adapt to variations in the siting and housing of service transformers. A variety of mechanisms and methods for collecting detection events are disclosed.

Abstract: A networked display has multiple modes of operation. In the first operating mode, the display receives and shows information related to charging an electric vehicle. In a second mode of operation, the display receives and shows information related to home energy usage. Other operating modes may also be supported.

Abstract: An example water usage monitoring system includes at least one sensor communicating at least one parameter relating to water usage. At least one microcontroller represents a location with each microcontroller in communication with at least one of the sensors and having at least one input for selectively receiving said parameters, a counter, an accumulator that utilizes said counter and said parameters received from the at least one input for a discrete count to create a data packet in response to a change in at least one of said parameters, and a transmitter for wirelessly sending said data packet. The system also includes a data collection device configured to receive and combine at least one data packet from the at least one microcontroller into an information set. The data collection device is configured to transmit the information set. A storage device is configured receive the information set from the data collection device.

Abstract: The present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. Additional features relate to apparatus (both network and device related) and methodology subject matters relating to uplink routing without requiring a routing table.

Abstract: A wireless spread-spectrum communication system for transmitting data includes a plurality of end point transmitters and at least one receiver. The end point transmitters transmit data via a frequency-hopped spread-spectrum signal where the transmitting signal is sent without the benefit of frequency stabilization. The receiver is responsive to the frequency-hopping spread-spectrum signals and includes a correlator and a signal processor. The correlator samples at least a first portion of a preamble of the signal and correlates the portion of the preamble with a known preamble pattern to determine a probability of correlation. The signal processor applies a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm to the signal in response to the probability of correlation to track a narrowband frequency of the signal based on at least a second portion of the preamble and to decode data encoded within the signal subsequent to the preamble.

Abstract: An analyzing system includes a retrieving module, a filtering module, an extracting module, a display module, and a storing module. The retrieving module is used to retrieve a data package. The filtering module is used to filter a power data parameter from the data package. The extracting module is used to extract a power data parameter value from the power data parameter. The display module is used to display the power data parameter value. The storing module is used to store the power data parameter value. The disclosure further offers an analyzing method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for scanning the division mark of a mechanical roller-type counter (1), for any type of counter, comprising a number of rotatably driven ciphering rollers (2), each ciphering roller carrying a number of digits (3) or symbols that are distributed homogeneously over the circumference and can be detected and evaluated with a fixed reading device arranged opposite. Said device is characterized in that at least one transponder (6) is associated with each digit (3) or each symbol in the respective ciphering roller (2) of the roller-type counter (1). An RFID antenna field (15) is located opposite the transponder, at a small distance therefrom, said field being controlled by a circuit in such a way that a ciphering roller of the roller-type counter (1) can be read respectively by an antenna (16, 17, 18) of the RFID antenna field (15).

Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

Abstract: In a distributed meter data management (MDM) system of a smart grid, a network computing device, such as a network router deployed in the field, may receive data from one or more utility meters, sensors, control devices, or other utility data collection devices that are communicatively coupled to the network computing device. The network computing device may process the data received from the utility data collection devices to generate processed data usable by a consumer. The network computing device may also send data to and/or receive data from a centralized control system, MDM system, and/or smart grid analytic applications at a utility central office. The network computing device may then provide the processed data directly to the consumer, with or without first sending the data to a centralized MDM system of the utility.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable medical device and a method for power management for power efficient use of RF telemetry during, for example, conditions where long periods of continuous monitoring of the device and the patient is desired such as during MRI procedures. A protocol module adapted to, at receipt of a low power protocol indication, activate and use a low power protocol for communication between the device and external units. The protocol module is capable of switching between different communication protocols including a low power communication protocol and a default RF communication protocol depending on, for example, whether continuous long-term monitoring of the patient is performed.

Abstract: The appliance management system according to the present invention includes: a meter device configured to measure a predetermined physical amount; an appliance having a predetermined function; and a management device. The management device sends first information including a first identifier allocated to the appliance and a second identifier allocated to the meter device. The meter device sends, when the second identifier included in the first information received from the management device matches the second identifier allocated to this meter device, second information including the first identifier included in the first information and the second identifier allocated to this meter device. The appliance performs, when the first identifier included in the second information received from the meter device matches the first identifier allocated to this appliance, a setting process of selecting the meter device identified by the second identifier included in the second information as a communication partner.

Abstract: Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) tend to be specialized and expensive—relegated to only key points in power distribution networks, and are generally reliant on GPS technology. The present disclosure details how any smart meter—using wireless communication—can perform sub-microsecond-grade synchrophasor measurements. Other aspects concern smart meter-based determination of A, B or C phase of the tri-phase power network. This can involve count-stamp enabling message packets sent to and/or from a smart meter, and then associating such count-stamps to local measurements of power phase by a metrology unit. Once a network of such enabled smart meters and other devices is formed, sub-microsecond metropolitan-wide and entire region-wide synchronizing time standard can calibrate local measurements of power phase, where simple A, B and C phase determination is one low hanging fruit application of such.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing safe reconnection of remotely disconnectible gas meters. In accordance with the present subject matter, a gas metering device is provided with a remotely controllable valve and has associated therewith indicia uniquely identifying the meter. A gas company representative or other authorized person must be physically present to read the meter associated data, enter corresponding data into a handheld device, and transmit a signal from such handheld device to the meter to initiate reclosure. In such manner, physical presence of a gas company representative is required at the time of reconnection to provide other services and functionality such as equipment inspection and/or pilot relighting as required for safety considerations.

Abstract: A subscriber device receives a message from a network device external to the subscriber device, where the network device implements a first metering engine that meters usage of a network service by a subscriber using the subscriber device and where the message includes the subscriber's usage data. The subscriber device includes a second usage metering engine that receives the subscriber's usage data from the usage synchronization unit, and performs real-time metering of the subscriber's usage of the network service, based on the subscriber's usage data received from the network device and independently of the first metering engine of the network device, to generate real-time usage metering data. The second usage metering engine further outputs the real-time usage metering data to a display at the subscriber device.