Utility remote disconnect from a meter reading system

摘要

Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing remote gas disconnection by way of a meter reading system. In accordance with the present subject matter, a gas metering device is provided with a remotely controllable valve, and a handheld or mobile device (normally employed to collect data such as normal meter readings generally associated with utility consumption) is configured to transmit disconnect instructions to a selected gas metering device as a meter reader proceeds along a route. In an alternative embodiment, disconnect instructions may be sent directly to a remotely operable valve equipped metering device by way of a fixed network meter reading system.