Prepaid Energy meter
In this project we will recharge our electricity meter using mobile. We will use LCD 16*2 for display purpose. We will use microcontroller 89c051 to control the electricity and for display purpose. We will use GSM module or mobile for receiver for charging on network. We will dial the mobile connected with the receiver. then after sometime will enter the amount we want to recharge. In this way we can easily recharge meter. LCD will show the amount recharged and will show consumption. LCD will show balance you have to recharge the meter. Then will disconnect the electricity after using balance amount in your electricity meter. It is already implemented because of its advantages.
Energy meters, the only direct revenue interface between utilities and the consumers, have undergone several advancements in the last decade. The conventional electro-mechanical meters are being replaced with electronic meters to improve accuracy in meter reading. Asian countries are currently looking to introduce prepaid electricity meters across their distribution network, buoyed up by the success of this novel methodology in South Africa. The existing inherent problems with the post-paid system and privatization of state held power distribution companies are the major driving factors for this market in Asia.
Over 40 countries have implemented prepaid meters in their markets. In United Kingdom the system, has been in use for well over 70 years with about 3.5 million consumers. The prepaid program in South Africa was started in 1992, since then they have installed over 6 million meters. Other African counties such as Sudan, Madagascar are following the South African success. The concept has found ground in Argentina and New Zealand with few thousands of installations.
The prepaid meters in the market today are coming up with smart cards to hold information on units consumed or equivalent money value. When the card is inserted, the energy meter reads it, connects the supply to the consumer loads, and debits the value. The meters are equipped with light emitting diodes (LED) to inform consumers when 75 percent of the credit energy has been consumed. The consumer then recharges the prepaid card from a sales terminal or distribution point, and during this process any changes in the tariff can also be loaded in the smart card.
Benefits of Prepaid Meters
Improved operational efficiencies: The prepaid meters are likely to cut the cost of meter reading as no meter readers are required. In addition, they eliminate administrative hassles associated with disconnection and reconnection. Besides, going by South Africa’s experience, prepaid meters could help control appropriation of electricity in a better way than conventional meters.
Reduced financial risks: Since the payment is up-front, it reduces the financial risk by improving the cash flows and necessitates an improved revenue management system.
Better customer service: The system eliminates billing delay, removes cost involved in disconnection/reconnection, enables controlled use of energy, and helps customers to save money through better energy management.