A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR READING AND CONTROLLING ELECTRIC POWER CONSUMPTION

摘要

An electro-optical, automatic reader (104) for enabling a consumer to view and manage power consumption through a browser (602). A sensor (210) attached to a bracket (202) is mounted to the outside cover (306) of a utility meter without modification of the meter (102) or removal of its housing. A data-collector (106) stores data obtained from the sensor (210) via a serial port which may also provide power for the sensor (210), thus avoiding use of a dedicated power supply. The data-collector (106) connects to a computer (110) which provides a centralized object through which to view and manage power consumption. The real-time and combined historic data can be used to forecast whether usage will fall above or below a predetermined usage level at the end of a given period of time. In response to a forecast exceeding the level, the computer (110) displays the appropriate graph in a red colored bar within a quantity vs. time chart. The computer (110) may control power consuming devices. A communication system (804) may be established to the system for remote management by the consumer or by the utility company (806) for its own billing and management purposes.