WO2003101143A1

WO2003101143A1 - Remote metering system

Info

Publication number: WO2003101143A1
Application number: PCT/IB2003/002017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Franco Giovanni Pucci; Andrew Donald Coetzee
Original assignee: Merlin Gerin S.A. (Proprietary) Limited
Priority date: 2002-05-27
Filing date: 2003-05-26
Publication date: 2003-12-04
Also published as: AU2003228021A1

Abstract

A communications control means for use in a prepayment utility meter of the split meter type is operably connectable to the user interface and utility metering and dispensing means of at least one utility meter intermediate the user interface and the metering and dispensing means thereof to establish a communications channel therebetween, and is further operable to transmit signals containing information relating to the use of the utility sourced from the, or each, metering and dispensing means. The invention extends to a utility meter system and to a method for monitoring user of a utility by an end-user thereof.

Description

REMOTE METERING SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to utility metering. More particularly, the invention relates to utility metering in a prepayment environment. In particular, the invention relates to a prepayment meter system for a utility and to a communications control means for use in the prepayment system. The invention extends to a method for monitoring use of the utility.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The use of prepayment systems for the dispensing of a utility, such as water or electricity, is known. It is also known to provide for the remote downloading of metering information from a utility meter, i.e. automatic meter reading. Many methods for remote meter reading are available, including the use of GSM, power line communications, radio WAN, and the like.

In the field of prepayment metering, many different variants of prepayment meters for the dispensing of utilities are available. One particular system incorporates a split metering technology, whereby a user interface is provided for operation by an end-user at the end-user's premises. The user interface generally permits the end-user to enter prepayment tokens of varying sorts to recharge the meter. The user interface also generally provides a visible display, allowing the end-user to ascertain at any time the available balance remaining from a quantity of the utility previously purchased by means of prepayment. The available balance may be given in terms of the quantity of the utility, e.g. kilowatt hours of electricity or liters of water. Instead the value in money of the available utility may be reflected. Further, in split meter prepayment systems, the meter and control components of the meter system are located remotely from the user interface, for example, in the case of electricity, at the top of a street pole or pylon. This has the advantage that switches or valves are located out of harm's way and are less liable to be tampered with. It will be appreciated that, in such a split meter system, a communications link or channel interconnects the user interface with the meter components of the system. The communications channel may comprise an electric cable. Instead, communication may be wireless and the channel may be a radio frequency channel, or the like.

Although it will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted to such environments, it is in such split meter utility metering environments that the present invention finds a major application.

The provision for remote meter reading is generally made and the relevant equipment installed as original equipment at the time of manufacture and installation of the metering system. The retrofitting of a remote meter reading facility to existing utility metering environments is difficult, expensive and time consuming. Further, such retrofitting involves the temporary disconnection of the end user from the utility network while conversion or replacement of the utility meter of the end-user is effected.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a prepayment meter system for a utility and a communications control means for use therein, which may be readily retrofitted to existing prepayment meter systems, particularly those incorporating split meters. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method for monitoring the use of a utility in such a prepayment meter system, for the remote and or automatic downloading of metering information, as well as for controlling the metering and dispensing of the utility. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this specification, a utility meter of the split meter type means a utility meter system comprising a user interface and a utility metering and dispensing means remote from the user interface and operable to transmit signals containing information relating to the use of the utility to the user interface via a communications channel. The utility may be electricity, water, gas, or the like.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a communications control means for use in a prepayment utility meter of the split meter type, the control means being operably connectable to the user interface and utility metering and dispensing means of at least one utility meter intermediate the user interface and the metering and dispensing means thereof to establish a communications channel therebetween, and being operable to transmit signals containing information relating to the use of the utility sourced from the, or each, metering and dispensing means.

The communications control means may be further operable to control communications between the, or each, user interface and its associated metering and dispensing means.

The communications control means may have a first connection means for connection to the user interface of the at least one utility meter; and a second connection means for connection to the utility metering and dispensing means of the at least one utility meter system.

The communications control means may be operable to control communications between a plurality of user interfaces and their associated metering and dispensing means and to transmit signals containing information relating to the use of the utility sourced from each of the metering and dispensing means, the control means having a plurality of first and second connection means, each first connection means being for connection to a respective user interface and each second connection means being for connection to an associated respective metering and dispensing means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the communications control means is a multi-channel network controller. Then, the network controller may have a plurality of first ports, each first port being available for connection to a respective utility metering and dispensing device and a plurality of second ports, each of which is available for connection to a respective user interface located at premises of an end-user of the utility, the first ports comprising the first connection means of the network controller and the second ports comprising the second connection means of the network controller. Instead, the network controller may have a plurality of servo-controlled switches, a first contact of each of which is connected to a respective utility metering and dispensing means, providing a first connection means, and a second contact of each of which is connected to a respective user interface, providing a second connection means.

The communications control means may be operable selectively to take control of a selected communications channel between a utility metering and dispensing device and its associated user interface and thereafter to re-establish direct communication between the said utility metering and dispensing device and its associated user interface.

The network controller may be operable to poll periodically each individual metering and dispensing means to which it is connected and to download predetermined data therefrom, the communications control means controlling the communications channel of the selected metering and dispensing means to interrupt communication between that metering and dispensing means and its associated user interface in order to poll the metering and dispensing means and, on conclusion of the downloading of the data, re-establishing direct communication between the metering and dispensing means and its associated user interface.

The communications control means may include a data storage means for storing data sourced from the, or each, utility metering and dispensing means.

Further, the network controller may be operable to interface with a communications device to enable communication between the network controller and a master station. Then, the communications device may be one of a GSM modem, radio frequency modem, or power line carrier modem.

In one embodiment of the invention, the utility is electricity and the, or each, prepayment meter is a split electricity meter, the utility metering and dispensing means of which comprises an electricity power meter and its associated switchgear, and the, or each, communications channel comprising an electrical cable. Then, the communications control means may be shaped and configured for installation in a remotely mounted meter box of its associated metering and dispensing means.

The communications control means may be operable for two-way communication with the, or each, metering and dispensing means with which it is associated, to receive signals containing information relating to the use of the utility from the, or each, said metering and dispensing means and to transmit signals to the, or each, said metering and dispensing means. The signal transmitted to the, or each, of the associated metering and dispensing means may contain a prepayment token including data representative of a fund of credit for loading into a respective metering and dispensing means to be drawn on by an end user of the utility associated with that metering and dispensing means. Further, the signal transmitted to the, or each, of the associated metering and dispensing means may enable the selective connection and disconnection of the utility to the end user of the utility associated with a respective utility meter system. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the communications control means is adapted for retrofitting to a, or a plurality of, installed prepayment utility meters of the split meter type.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a utility meter system including at least one prepayment utility meter of the split meter type; and a communications control means as hereinbefore described, the communications control means being operably connected to the metering and dispensing means of the, or each, respective utility meter and its associated user interface intermediate the user interface and the utility metering and dispensing means to establish a communications channel therebetween.

The communications control means may be a network controller and the system may include a master station, a plurality of similar network controllers being operably connected via a communications network to the master station. The, or each, network controller may have a data storage means for storing data sourced from its associated utility meters and the master station may be operable periodically to poll each network controller and download the stored data.

The, or each, communications control means may be operable for two-way communication with the, or each, metering and dispensing means with which it is associated and the master station may be operable to transmit a signal to a respective communications control means to permit the loading of prepayment tokens directly into the respective meter, without manual intervention by an end- user via his user interface.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring use of a utility by an end-user thereof in at least one prepayment meter of the split meter type, the method including connecting a communications control means to the user interface and the utility metering and dispensing means of the, or each, utility meter system intermediate the user interface and the utility metering and dispensing means to establish a communications channel therebetween; receiving from the metering and dispensing means signals containing information relating to the use of the utility; and transmitting signals containing the said information sourced from the metering and dispensing means.

The method may include controlling communications between the user interface and the metering and dispensing means.

Thus, the method may include the steps of selectively taking control of a selected communications channel between a utility metering and dispensing device and its associated user interface; and thereafter re-establishing direct communication between the said utility metering and dispensing device and its associated user interface.

The method may further include the steps of periodically controlling by means of the communications control means the communications channel of a selected metering and dispensing means to interrupt communication between that metering and dispensing means and its associated user interface; polling by means of the communications control means the selected metering and dispensing means; downloading predetermined data therefrom; and re-establishing direct communication between the metering and dispensing means and its associated user interface. The communications control means may include a data storage means for storing data sourced from the, or each, utility metering and dispensing means and the method may include the step of storing the said data in the said data storage means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the utility is electricity and the, or each, prepayment meter is a split electricity meter, the utility metering and dispensing means of which comprises an electricity power meter and its associated switchgear, and in which the, or each, communications channel comprises an electrical cable. Then, the communications control means may be shaped and configured for installation in a remotely mounted meter box of its associated metering and dispensing means and the method may include the step of mounting the communications control means in the said meter box.

The communications control means may be a network controller and the method may include providing a master station, a plurality of similar network controllers being operably connected via a communications network to the master station.

The, or each, network controller may have a data storage means for storing data sourced from its associated utility meters and the method may include periodically polling each network controller and downloading the stored data by means of the master station.

The, or each, communications control means may be operable for two-way communication with the, or each, metering and dispensing means with which it is associated and the method may include transmitting by means of the master station a signal to a respective communications control means to permit the loading of prepayment tokens directly into the respective meter, without manual intervention by an end-user via his user interface. The, or each, communications control means may be operable for two-way communication with the, or each, metering and dispensing means with which it is associated and the method may include transmitting by means of the master station a signal to a respective communications control means to enable the remote connection or disconnection of the utility to the end user associated with a respective utility meter.

The method may include retrofitting the communications control means to the, or each, installed prepayment utility meter of the split meter type.

The data downloaded from utility meters may be used for a variety of purposes, including remote or automatic meter reading. It will be appreciated that, in addition, this invention will facilitate the monitoring of tamper detection, power profiling, meter connection status information, credit monitoring, as well as many other functions. Importantly, it is an aspect of the invention that the meter system described will permit the loading of prepayment tokens directly from a vending station into a respective meter, without the necessity of manual intervention by an end-user via his user interface. This has the advantage of significantly simplifying the vending infrastructure required to perform vending.

The system therefore facilitates the control and monitoring of utility meters, from the vending of tokens and loading of a fund of credit, to remote disconnection and meter data access. Importantly, it is an advantage of the invention that the network controller may be retrofitted, where there is an existing communications channel, such as in the case of known split meter configurations, without requiring substantial modifications to the existing meter base, other than wiring in of the network controller.

It will be appreciated that, while the invention finds its major application in the field of split meter prepayment meter systems, it may also find application in other utility metering systems. Thus, according to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a retrofittable communications control means for use in a prepayment utility meter having a user interface and a metering means operably connected thereto via a communications channel to permit the transmission of information relating to the use of the utility from the metering means to the user interface, the control means being operably connectable to the user interface and utility metering and dispensing means intermediate the user interface and the metering means thereof to establish a communications channel therebetween, and being operable to transmit signals containing information relating to the use of the utility sourced from the metering and dispensing means. The communications control means may be as hereinbefore described with reference to prepayment meters of the split meter type.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided a utility meter system including a prepayment utility meter to which is operably retrofitted the communications control as hereinbefore described. The utility meter system and the communications control means may be as hereinbefore described with reference to prepayment meters of the split meter type.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring use of a utility by an end-user thereof, the method including retrofitting a communications control means to a user interface and utility metering means of a prepayment utility meter intermediate the user interface and the utility metering means to establish a communications channel therebetween; receiving from the metering means signals containing information relating to the use of the utility; and transmitting signals containing the said information sourced from the metering means. The method may be as hereinbefore described with reference to prepayment meters of the split meter type.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a prepayment meter system for a utility, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic view of the prepayment meter system, having a second embodiment of the network controller of the system;

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the prepayment meter system of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a power meter of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a prepayment meter system for a utility, in accordance with the invention. The utility is electricity. The prepayment meter system 10 includes a split electricity meter 12 comprising a user interface 14, which is located at a location 16 of an end-user of the utility, being a commercial dwelling. The user interface 14 includes a keyboard 18, which is operable by the end-user to enter prepayment tokens (not shown) to recharge a meter of the meter system 10. Further, the user interface 14 has a visible display 20, which permits the end-user to ascertain, at any time, the available balance remaining from the quantity of the utility previously purchased by means of prepayment. The available balance is given in kilowatt hours of electricity or the money value of the kilowatt hours remaining for use. Further, the split electricity meter 12 includes a utility metering and dispensing means 22, in the form of a meter unit, for dispensing the utility to the end-user. The meter unit 22 includes switch gear (not shown) for opening and closing a power line to the premises of the end-user. The meter unit 22 is housed in a meter housing 24 situated on a roadside electricity pole 26 and is remote from the user interface 14. The user interface 14 and meter unit 22 are interconnected by means of a communications channel 28, comprising an electric cable. As shown in Figure 1 , several meter units 22 may be housed within a single housing 24, two of such meter units 22.1 ,22.2 being shown in the drawing.

In the embodiment of Figure 1 , a single communications control means 30, comprising a network controller, has been retrofitted to the meter units 22. The network controller 30 has a plurality of input and output ports (not shown) and is connected intermediate each meter unit 22 and its associated user interface 14. In order to achieve this, the electricity cable between each user interface 14 and its associated meter unit 22 is severed and an input port of the network controller 30 is connected to the meter unit 22 via the severed cable. Similarly, a corresponding output port of the network controller 30 is connected via the severed cable to the associated user interface 14. The process is repeated so that the network controller 30 is interconnected with each pair of user interfaces 14 and associated meter units 22.

In Figure 2, the system 10 includes a second embodiment 30.1 of the network controller 30. In Figure 2, with reference to Figure 1 , like reference numerals indicate like components, unless otherwise specified. The network controller 30.1 has a number of servo-controlled switches, two of which are shown in the drawing and indicated by reference numeral 40. A first contact 42 of each of the switches 40 is connected to a respective meter unit 22 and a second contact 44 of each of the switches 40 is connected to a respective user interface 14. Third contacts 45 of the switches 40 are connected to a processor (not shown) of the network controller 30.1. Then, it will be appreciated that by selectively operating the switches 40 respective associated meter units 22 and user interfaces 14 may be directly connected to communicate with one another, or the connection may be interrupted, allowing the network controller 30.1 to take control of the communications channel 28 and to interact with the respective meter unit 22, as herein described with respect to the network controller 30.

Further, groups of networks controllers 30 are connected to a master station 32 via a communications network, indicated schematically and referred to by reference numeral 34. It will appreciated that the communications network 34 may be any suitable network, including GSM, radio WAN or a power line communications network, or combination of these. Accordingly, each network controller 30 may be operable to interface with a suitable communications device, such as GSM, radio or power line carrier modem, to enable communication between the network controllers 30 and the master station 32. In Figure 2, the network controller 30.1 is shown to have an antenna 46 for remote communication with the master station 32 (not shown in Figure 2).

Once installed, the network controller 30 is programmed to poll periodically each individual meter (not shown) of a meter unit 22 to which it is connected and to download predetermined data from that meter. In order to do so, the network controller 30 disconnects the user interface 14 and assumes control of the communications channel 28. After polling, the network controller 30 is programmed to restore the communications channel 28 to the user interface 14. In an alternative simple embodiment of the system, the network controller merely receives a data stream from the meter of the meter unit 22 and is not operable for two-way communication with the meter unit 22.

Each network controller 30 has a data storage device (not shown) for storing data downloaded from associated utility meters. The master station 32, to which the network controllers 30 are networked, is programmed to poll periodically each of the network controllers 30 and download stored data. Data downloaded includes utility usage, i.e. automatic meter reading. In addition, by monitoring metered usage and actual usage, tamper detection may be provided. Further, downloaded data may be used to establish power profiles and meter connection status information. Still further, credit monitoring is facilitated. In one aspect of the invention, credit tokens may be loaded directly from a vending station (not shown) into a meter, without the necessity of manual intervention by an end-user via his user interface 14. On exhaustion of prepaid credit or on the occurrence of any other predetermined event, the network controller 30 may be operated to activate a meter switch (not shown) of the associated meter unit 22, cutting off the connection and supply of the utility to the user.

In Figure 3, the network controller 30 is shown controlling a group of 12 meter units 22. Each meter unit 22 comprises an electricity meter 50 and associated user interface unit 14. The network controller 30 has a power supply unit 52; expander interface 54; microcontroller 56; real time clock 58; non-volatile storage 60; current loop interface 62; and a communications interface 64. The aforementioned are illustrated schematically as separate units, but may be incorporated in a single integrated circuit or on a single circuit board. The nonvolatile storage 60 provides for the non-volatile of storage of data downloaded from the electricity meters 22, as described above. The communications interface 64 provides for the network controller 30 to interface with a communications device (not shown), such as GSM modem, for communication with a master station 32. In the embodiment illustrated, the network controller 30 is capable on its own of controlling communication between four electricity meters 50 and the associated user interfaces 14. Two expander units 66 are coupled to the network controller 30 via the expander interface 54. Each of the expanders 66 contains the necessary interface logic to permit the network controller 30 to control additional electricity meters 22. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first expander 66.1 is coupled to an additional five electricity meters 50 and their associated user interfaces 14, while expander 66.2 is coupled to an additional 3 electricity meters 50 and their associated user interfaces 14. The network controller 30, whether on its own or via the expander units 66, interfaces with the electricity meter units 22 of the group via the current loop interface 62. As illustrated schematically in Figure 3, each electricity meter 50 is in communication with its associated user interface 14 via a communications channel 28 comprising an electric cable. The network controller 30 is connected to each associated electricity meter 50 and user interface 14, intermediate these units to re-establish the communication channel 28.

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a typical electricity meter 50 of Figure 1 and Figure 3. The electricity meter 50 meters power usage of power supplied by a reticulation system providing neutral and live inputs, 70 and 71 respectively. The meter 50 has a protection circuit 72 to protect against overloads and spikes on the reticulation supply. Further, the meter 50 has a power supply 74 for driving a microcontroller 76. The microcontroller 76 has voltage and current inputs, 78 and 80 respectively. The microcontroller 76 operates on the voltage and current inputs 78,80 to continuously calculate power usage. The microcontroller 76 is connected to a non-volatile memory 82 in which are stored the decryption keys for the decryption of tokens for loading into the power meter; the currently available fund of credit for use by the end-user; certain calibration and operational values; the unique numbers of previously used tokens to avoid duplication of use thereof; supply group codes, and the like. Further, the microcontroller 76 drives a light emitting diode (LED) 84, the rate of triggering of which indicates the rate of consumption of power by the end-user. The microcontroller 76 is connected to a communications interface 86 for communication, via the communications channel 28 with an associated user interface 14. A reset circuit 88 is provided for resetting the microcontroller 76 for operational purposes. The voltage input 78 is fed to the microcontroller 76 from the live input 71 , tapped before the power supply 74. The current input 80 is fed to the microcontroller 76 via a current sensing circuit 90 and a current range circuit 92, the latter enabling switching between selected current ranges for metering. Further, the microcontroller 76 is connected to and drives a latch driver 94, which, in turn, drives a latch 96, comprising a relay for interrupting and reconnecting power to the end-user via the live output terminal 98 of the meter 50.

By means of the invention, there is provided a method for converting established prepayment metering environments for remote metering. Retrofitting of a communications control means 30 to existing systems provides a remote metering system 10, thereby enabling the monitoring of utility usage by an end- user thereof. Accordingly, existing prepayment meter resources may be readily adapted and updated for remote monitoring and control. Retrofitting of the network controller 30 requires minimal disruption of services to end-users and may be achieved relatively quickly and inexpensively. There is further provided for two way communication with meter units, enabling the remote loading of a meter with credit and for the remote control of the utility supply by interruption with or reconnection of the supply to the end-user.

Claims

1. A communications control means for use in a prepayment utility meter of the split meter type, the control means being operably connectable to the user interface and utility metering and dispensing means of at least one utility meter intermediate the user interface and the metering and dispensing means thereof to establish a communications channel therebetween, and being operable to transmit signals containing information relating to the use of the utility sourced from the, or each, metering and dispensing means.

2. The communications control means as claimed in claim 1, which is further operable to control communications between the, or each, user interface and its associated metering and dispensing means.

3. The communications control means as claimed in claim 2, which has a first connection means for connection to the user interface of the at least one utility meter; and a second connection means for connection to the utility metering and dispensing means of the at least one utility meter system.

4. The communications control means as claimed in claim 3, which is operable to control communications between a plurality of user interfaces and their associated metering and dispensing means and to transmit signals containing information relating to the use of the utility sourced from each of the metering and dispensing means, the control means having a plurality of first and second connection means, each first connection means being for connection to a respective user interface and each second connection means being for connection to an associated respective metering and dispensing means. li

5. The communications control means as claimed in claim 4, in which the communications control means is a multi-channel network controller.

6. The communications control means as claimed in claim 5, in which the network controller has a plurality of first ports, each first port being available for connection to a respective utility metering and dispensing device and a plurality of second ports, each of which is available for connection to a respective user interface located at premises of an end- user of the utility, the first ports comprising the first connection means of the network controller and the second ports comprising the second connection means of the network controller.

7. The communications control means as claimed in claim 5, in which the network controller has a plurality of servo-controlled switches, a first contact of each of which is connected to a respective utility metering and dispensing means, providing a first connection means, and a second contact of each of which is connected to a respective user interface, providing a second connection means.

8. The communications control means as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, which is operable selectively to take control of a selected communications channel between a utility metering and dispensing device and its associated user interface and thereafter to re-establish direct communication between the said utility metering and dispensing device and its associated user interface.

9. The communications control means as claimed in claim 8, in which the network controller is operable to poll periodically each individual metering and dispensing means to which it is connected and to download predetermined data therefrom, the communications control means controlling the communications channel of the selected metering and dispensing means to interrupt communication between that metering and dispensing means and its associated user interface in order to poll the metering and dispensing means and, on conclusion of the downloading of the data, re-establishing direct communication between the metering and dispensing means and its associated user interface.

10. The communications control means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a data storage means for storing data sourced from the, or each, utility metering and dispensing means.

11. The communications control means as claimed in claim 10, in which the network controller is operable to interface with a communications device to enable communication between the network controller and a master station.

12. The communications control means as claimed in claim 1 1 , in which the communications device is one of a GSM modem, radio frequency modem, or power line carrier modem.

13. The communications control means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the utility is electricity and the, or each, prepayment meter is a split electricity meter, the utility metering and dispensing means of which comprises an electricity power meter and its associated switchgear, and in which the, or each, communications channel comprises an electrical cable.

14. The communications control means as claimed in claim 13, which is shaped and configured for installation in a remotely mounted meter box of its associated metering and dispensing means.

15. The communications control means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is operable for two-way communication with the, or each, metering and dispensing means with which it is associated, to receive signals containing information relating to the use of the utility from the, or each, said metering and dispensing means and to transmit signals to the, or each, said metering and dispensing means.

16. The communications control means as claimed in claim 15, in which the signal transmitted to the, or each, of the associated metering and dispensing means contains a prepayment token including data representative of a fund of credit for loading into a respective metering and dispensing means to be drawn on by an end-user of the utility associated with that metering and dispensing means.

17. The communications control means as claimed in claim 15, in which the signal transmitted to the, or each, of the associated metering and dispensing means enables the selective connection and disconnection of the utility to the end user of the utility associated with a respective utility meter system.

18. The communications control means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted for retrofitting to a, or a plurality of, installed prepayment utility meters of the split meter type.

19. A utility meter system including at least one prepayment utility meter of the split meter type; and a communications control means as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, the communications control means being operably connected to the metering and dispensing means of the, or each, respective utility meter and its associated user interface intermediate the user interface and the utility metering and dispensing means to establish a communications channel therebetween.

20. The utility meter system as claimed in claim 19, in which the communications control means is a network controller and the system includes a master station, a plurality of similar network controllers being operably connected via a communications network to the master station.

21. The utility meter system as claimed in claim 20, in which the, or each, network controller has a data storage means for storing data sourced from its associated utility meters and the master station is operable periodically to poll each network controller and download the stored data.

22. The utility meter system as claimed in claim 21 , in which the, or each, communications control means is operable for two-way communication with the, or each, metering and dispensing means with which it is associated and the master station is operable to transmit a signal to a respective communications control means to permit the loading of prepayment tokens directly into the respective meter, without manual intervention by an end-user via his user interface.

23. A method for monitoring use of a utility by an end-user thereof in at least one prepayment meter of the split meter type, the method including connecting a communications control means to the user interface and the utility metering and dispensing means of the, or each, utility meter system intermediate the user interface and the utility metering and dispensing means to establish a communications channel therebetween; receiving from the metering and dispensing means signals containing information relating to the use of the utility; and transmitting signals containing the said information sourced from the metering and dispensing means.

24. The method as claimed in claim 23, which includes controlling communications between the user interface and the metering and dispensing means.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, which includes the steps of selectively taking control of a selected communications channel between a utility metering and dispensing device and its associated user interface; and thereafter re-establishing direct communication between the said utility metering and dispensing device and its associated user interface.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25, which includes the steps of periodically controlling by means of the communications control means the communications channel of a selected metering and dispensing means to interrupt communication between that metering and dispensing means and its associated user interface; polling by means of the communications control means the selected metering and dispensing means; downloading predetermined data therefrom; and re-establishing direct communication between the metering and dispensing means and its associated user interface.

27. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 23 to 26, in which the communications control means includes a data storage means for storing data sourced from the, or each, utility metering and dispensing means and the method includes the step of storing the said data in the said data storage means.

28. The method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 27, in which the utility is electricity and the, or each, prepayment meter is a split electricity meter, the utility metering and dispensing means of which comprises an electricity power meter and its associated switchgear, and in which the, or each, communications channel comprises an electrical cable.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28, in which the communications control means is shaped and configured for installation in a remotely mounted meter box of its associated metering and dispensing means and the method includes the step of mounting the communications control means in the said meter box.

30. The method as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 29, in which the communications control means is a network controller and the method includes providing a master station, a plurality of similar network controllers being operably connected via a communications network to the master station.

31. The method as claimed in claim 30, in which the, or each, network controller has a data storage means for storing data sourced from its associated utility meters and the method includes periodically polling each network controller and downloading the stored data by means of the master station.

32. The method as claimed in claim 30 or 31 , in which the, or each, communications control means is operable for two-way communication with the, or each, metering and dispensing means with which it is associated and the method includes transmitting by means of the master station a signal to a respective communications control means to permit the loading of prepayment tokens directly into the respective meter, without manual intervention by an end-user via his user interface.

33. The method as claimed in claim 30 or 31 , in which the, or each, communications control means is operable for two-way communication with the, or each, metering and dispensing means with which it is associated and the method includes transmitting by means of the master station a signal to a respective communications control means to enable the remote connection or disconnection of the utility to the end-user associated with a respective utility meter.

34. The method as claimed in claim 23, which includes retrofitting the communications control means to the, or each, installed prepayment utility meter of the split meter type.

35. A retrofittable communications control means for use in a prepayment utility meter having a user interface and a metering means operably connected thereto via a communications channel to permit the transmission of information relating to the use of the utility from the metering means to the user interface, the control means being operably connectable to the user interface and utility metering and dispensing means intermediate the user interface and the metering means thereof to establish a communications channel therebetween, and being operable to transmit signals containing information relating to the use of the utility sourced from the metering and dispensing means.

36. A utility meter system including a prepayment utility meter to which is operably retrofitted the communications control means of claim 35.

37. A method for monitoring use of a utility by an end-user thereof, the method including retrofitting a communications control means to a user interface and utility metering means of a prepayment utility meter intermediate the user interface and the utility metering means to establish a communications channel therebetween; receiving from the metering means signals containing information relating to the use of the utility; and transmitting signals containing the said information sourced from the metering means.