| 摘要 |
<p>A transaction authorisation system comprises a user interface unit 30 capable of accepting a transaction authorisation, and a utility meter 10 provided at a location having an associated location identifier unique to the location, wherein the utility meter 10 is arranged to communicate with the user interface unit 30, to obtain a transaction authorisation and to transmit an authorisation request based on the transaction authorisation and location identifier to obtain authorisation of the transaction. In an alternative embodiment the invention consists of an energy supply system including a utility meter 10 having a unique location identifier, a switching unit controllable by the utility meter 10 provided at a location for switching appliances on and off and a communication unit 20. The utility meter 10 is arranged to communicate with a remote system having a database of unique identifiers via the communication unit 20 in order determine if an appliance needs switching on or off. In a further embodiment the invention consists of a pre-payment energy supply system which comprises a pre-payment utility meter 10 having a unique location identifier and a memory for storing pre-payment credits. The utility meter 10 is arranged to communicate with a remote system having a database of unique identifiers via a communication unit 20. In a further embodiment the invention comprises a method of controlling the provision of energy to users.</p> |
