Keypad prepayment metering trial in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE) have been using magnetic card type prepayment meters since 1990. Increased operating costs, concerns about security and continued pressure from the Regulator and Consumer Groups over 'Self Disconnection' started them looking for an alternative prepayment solution. Discussions between NIE and PRI took place after a presentation by PRI on their Liberty 'Credit Management' meter and a decision was taken to trial the system. The key features that attracted NIE to the Liberty system where: easy to administer, simple to use, inexpensive infrastructure; true 'pay-as-you-go' system-meter reading not required; low cost, secure but repeatable paper voucher, no tokens; customisable user displays giving consumers meaningful information; multi-utility capability; load limiting rather than disconnection; provision of freedom-a remote keypad/display unit; and the ability to change the meters programming through additional vend codes (debt transactions, price changes etc.) resulting in reduced site visits. The paper discusses independent market research on the keypad metering system, the technology involved, and the long term benefits.