Systems and Methods for Energy Management Between a Utility Provider and a Consumer

• US 20130046695A1
• Filed: 08/19/2011
• Published: 02/21/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/19/2011
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Acosta-Cazaubon, Jesus, Alexander, George, Caird, Kenneth
• Application Number:
  US13/213,734
• Publication Number:
  US 20130046695A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/63
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/06 Energy or water supply

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for energy management between a utility provider and a consumer. According to one embodiment of the invention, a system can be provided. The system can include a computer processor. The system can also include a memory operable to store computer-executable instructions operable for receiving a readable code associated with a utility meter, and further receiving a unique identifier associated with a mobile device; verifying that the readable code is associated with the unique identifier; and authorizing a consumer associated with the mobile device to access account information associated with the at least one utility meter.

Claims

1. A method of energy management between a utility provider and a consumer, comprising:

registering a unique identifier of a mobile device with the utility provider, wherein the unique identifier is associated with the consumer;

transmitting a machine-readable code to the utility provider with the mobile device, wherein the machine-readable code is associated with at least one utility meter having a machine-readable code;

receiving an indication associated with verifying that the mobile device is associated with the machine-readable code via the unique identifier of the mobile device; and

accessing, by the consumer, account information associated with the at least one utility meter via the mobile device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the unique identifier of the mobile device is a media access control address.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the machine-readable code comprises a quick response (QR) code, a bar code, or an encrypted identification code.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet device, or a handheld communication device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

upon or after receipt of the indication, accessing account information from the utility provider.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein registering, transmitting, and receiving is performed using a secure platform.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

registering the unique identifier of the mobile device with multiple utility providers.

8. A method of energy management between a utility provider and a consumer, comprising:

associating a mobile device with at least one utility meter, wherein the mobile device comprises a unique identifier, wherein the unique identifier is associated with the consumer, and wherein the at least one utility meter comprises a machine-readable code;

receiving communications from the mobile device after the mobile device transmits the machine-readable code associated with the at least one utility meter;

verifying the mobile device is associated with the at least one utility meter;

authorizing the consumer to access account information associated with the at least one utility meter; and

accessing, by the consumer, the account information via the mobile device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the unique identifier of a mobile device is a media access control address.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the machine-readable code comprises a quick response (QR) code, a bar code, or an encrypted identification code.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the mobile device comprises a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet device, or a handheld communication device.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein verifying the mobile device is associated with the at least one utility meter comprises:

verifying the unique identifier of the mobile device is associated with the machine-readable code of the at least one utility meter.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein all communication is performed on a secure platform.

14. An energy management system, comprising:

a computer processor; and

a memory in communication with the computer processor operable to store computer-executable instructions operable to;

receive a machine-readable code associated with a utility meter, and to further receive a unique identifier associated with a mobile device;

verify that the machine-readable code is associated with the unique identifier; and

authorize a consumer associated with the mobile device to access account information associated with the at least one utility meter, wherein the account information is accessible to the consumer via the mobile device.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer processor is associated with a server or a computer.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the computer processor is associated with the mobile device.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the unique identifier of the mobile device is a media access control address.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the machine-readable code comprises a quick response (QR) code, a bar code, or an encrypted identification code.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the mobile device comprises a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet device, or a handheld communication device.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein all communication is performed on a secure platform.