Pre-pay Metering – How Northern Ireland Did It Well

Pre-pay metering in Northern Ireland operates well and is properly regulated. This paper surveys the literature to describe the selection, growth, regulation, costs and benefits of the popular Keypad pre-pay meters. Using Utility Regulator published data, the popularity of Keypad meters is tracked over time, and its causes identified. By searching the diverse literature, this paper answers the questions: 1) What are the key features of the regulatory regime? 2) What are the benefits and costs of pre-pay meters to the utilities and users? 3) Does Northern Ireland's pre-pay Keypad meters, equipped with feedback displays, actually save energy?