Method and apparatus for metering electricity usage and electronically providing information associated therewith
A Metering Billing and Information Solutions (“MBIS”) system for metering electricity usage and processing associated information includes an automated meter which electronically communicates metering information to a data processing system. The data processing system then appropriately calculates an electric bill using the metering information received from the meter. Additionally, the data processing system electronically stores the metering, billing, and other appropriate consumer account information. The MBIS system also includes an information system, which can be used by a consumer to remotely access the information stored by the data processing system. A payment system is also included in the MBIS system to facilitate electronic payment by a consumer.
1. A method for providing utility consumption data to a utility consumer over a network, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving metering data and operational status information from a utility meter located at a remote facility operated by said utility customer, wherein said metering data is electronically and automatically transmitted over the network in substantially real time from said utility meter to a data processing system;
calculating billing data using said metering data at said data processing system, wherein said calculating step calculates said billing data using:
(a) generation costs,
(b) transmission costs, and
(c) distribution costs of said utility;
storing said metering data and said billing data electronically at said data processing system; and
reporting said metering data and said billing data electronically from said data processing system to said utility customer over the network, said reporting step including the steps of: providing a website on the network accessible by said utility customer; retrieving said metering data and said billing data from said database; and
presenting said metering data and said billing data on said website; and
allowing said consumer to affect electronic funds transfer via a payment system in accordance with said billing data.
2. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said receiving step further comprises the step of polling said meter using an electronic communication medium.
3. The method in accordance with claim 2 , wherein said polling step polls said meter using a toll-free telephone line.
4. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said receiving step receives metering data from said meter wherein said meter is suitably configured with a modem for connecting to an electronic data line.
5. The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said storing step stores said metering data and said billing data in a computer database.
6. A system for providing energy consumption data over a network for a facility affiliated with an energy consumer, the system comprising:
a receiving means configured to receive, automatically, metering data in substantially real time, and operational status information, from a meter located at said facility via the network;
a processing means in communication with said receiving means, wherein said processing means is configured to determine pricing options as a function of said metering information and of pricing factors affiliated with an energy source, wherein said pricing factors include generation costs, transmission costs, and distribution costs;
a transmitting means configured to transmit said pricing options to said energy consumer via the network such that said energy consumer is allowed to evaluate said pricing options to thereby manage energy consumption at said facility, said transmitting means including a website hosted by said utility and accessible to the energy consumer over the network, wherein said website displays metering data and billing data associated wit the energy consumer such that said consumer may affect electronic funds transfer via a payment system in accordance with said billing data.