Prepaid Metering System Reduces Equipment Management Costs, Supports Intricate Billing Configurations

Distribution Control Systems, Inc. (DCSI)has released a new Prepayment Metering System that leverages the TWACS system connectivity to provide an electric utility with the ability to have greater control and knowledge of its overall prepayment program than with traditional prepayment systems.

System components include a TWACS AMR/AMI-equipped residential meter, a TWACS disconnect collar, an in-home display and a special-function back-office application (UtiliSales), which manages all the account data. The system scalability is greatly enhanced by the ability to use standard TWACS-equipped meters.

Since system control is located in the back-office software, operators have the capability to override individual system operation as well as inhibit disconnects for a period of time based on weather-related or other events. Customers wishing to sign up for prepayment can be activated immediately rather than having to wait for the utility to install special equipment. The system does not require a purchase token, thus significantly broadening the possible vending options.