SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTHORIZED CONNECTION OF UTILITY SERVICE

• US 20120326836A1
• Filed: 06/14/2012
• Published: 12/27/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Energycomnetwork, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Energycomnetwork LLC
• Inventors: Sewell, Ronald R., Weigle, Jody, Stewart, Steven
• Granted Patent: US 9,900,667 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/4.34
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/60 for transmitting utility meters data, i.e. transmission of data from the reader of the utility meter
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom

Abstract

Systems and methods for authorizing the connection of a utility service are disclosed. The system can comprise a utility meter, or other utility connection, a utility server, and a means of communication. The utility meter can comprise a disconnect switch capable of connecting and disconnecting a location from the utility. The disconnect switch can connect the utility to the location upon a command from the server and confirmation from a customer. The system can enable utilities to offer pay-as-you-go and pre-paid utility services, which can minimize the financial exposure of the utility. The system can also enable customers to connect utility services without having to be present and/or come into physical contact with utility equipment.

Claims

1. A device for remotely connecting a utility service meter comprising:

a controller in communication with a remote utility server;

a disconnect switch in series connection with a utility service for connecting and disconnecting a utility from a location;

wherein the controller activates the disconnect switch in response to a first signal from the remote utility server to disconnect the utility from the location; and

wherein the controller deactivates the disconnect switch in response to a second signal from the remote utility server to connect the utility to the location.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the disconnect switch is electromechanical.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the disconnect switch is a relay.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the disconnect switch is a mechanical valve to stop the flow of a gas or liquid.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the mechanical valve is a ball valve.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a communications module for connecting the controller to the remote utility server.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the communications module comprises a cellular transceiver.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the communications module comprises an RF transceiver.

9. A system for remotely connecting a utility service comprising:

a utility server for maintaining and storing a customer account database;

a customer utility connection comprising;

a communications module for communicating with the utility server;

a disconnect switch in series connection with a utility service for connecting and disconnecting a utility from a location; and

a controller for processing signals from the utility server and controlling the disconnect switch;

wherein the controller activates the disconnect switch in response to a first signal sent from the remote utility server to disconnect the utility from the location; and

wherein the controller deactivates the disconnect switch in response to a second signal sent from the remote utility server to connect the utility to the location.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the communications module comprises an RF transceiver.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the communications module comprises a cellular transceiver.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the utility server must receive an acknowledgement signal from a user to send the second signal.

13. A method for connecting utility service comprising:

receiving a request, at a server, from a customer for connection to a utility service;

updating a customer account status record in a database on the server;

sending a message to the customer, from the server, requesting an authorization transmission;

receiving at the server the authorization transmission from the customer; and

sending a command from the server to a utility meter to connect service.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the authorization transmission comprises an acknowledgement of terms and conditions from the customer.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the authorization transmission is a text message.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the authorization transmission is a response on a website.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the authorization transmission is a response on a smart phone app.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the authorization transmission is a direct interaction with a customer service representative.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the authorization transmission is a response to an interactive voice response system.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

receiving an agreement to the terms of service from the customer.