Sub-systems:

1. Smart card operated Energy Meter
2. Dispensing unit
3. Smart card
4. PC
5. Application software

System working:

Pre-paid energy meter with provision to insert a Smart card and a display (LCD) to show all details in user friendly format, is installed in a consumer’s premises. The electrical section office equipped with a personal computer (PC), having a Smart card dispensing unit attached to it as well as the application software capable of handling prepayment transactions, will issue a Smart card charged with the number of units of electricity purchased by the consumer. When this card is inserted into the meter by the consumer, the units are transferred to the meter and its countdown begins as per the energy usage. When the balance reaches a minimum preset value, say 50 units, the consumer is alerted through a buzzer and display of this information on LCD. At this time, consumer can insert the card into the meter once (to load the present status like balance units, tampering information, total energy consumed so far etc.) and take it to the section office for recharging it. At this time, the computer will verify all details conveyed through the card including tampering if any, and re-load it with the number of units now purchased by the consumer. This cycle can continue.

If the units loaded are exhausted and no recharging is done, the meter will automatically cut-off power. If it happens on a holiday or at night, the consumer can invoke the grace period option once, to get power for some more time.
If power has been finally cut, it can be automatically restored without the help of electricity staff, by recharging the meter in the usual way.
The greatest advantage to the consumer is that he can buy units to suit his pocket - in other words, if there is shortage of money he can buy for one week’s consumption even.