Abstract :
Advances in metering and communications have meant that many utilities throughout the world are turning to two way communications technology to provide better and more efficient services for their customers. A progressive solution using power line carrier communications has been trialed by ScottishPower using the Siemens MainsMaster 2000 system. ScottishPower believe this trial to be a world first in providing an operating tokenless prepayment system using power line carrier technology without any other metering back up. This presentation draws on the experience gained from this 500 customer trial to inform on how mains signalling can meet utility customers prepayment needs. The operation of the trial´s tokenless prepayment system is illustrated, and the new customer service features explained. The presentation, in addition to examining the business and customer drivers for a power line carrier (mains signalling) solution, views the surrounding technological communication changes facing electricity utilities in the delivery of a whole industry solution
