Fitting prepayment meters

KevinS · Feb 6, 2014

Hi,
I need to fit 40 prepayment meters to a site. Currently, 1 large bill arrives for 40 plots and the bill is divided by 40. Obviously this is causing problems as they all claim to be using less electricity than anyone else.
the plan is, to fit a prepayment meter to each plot.
I'm looking at fitting prepayment meters to each plot. I've looked at card meters and contact less reader meters (I need to stay away from coin meters for obvious reasons). I'm looking for something reliable, but don't think I need a smart meter, as the warden will sell top ups and there is no need to see usage online. The less things that can go wrong - the better is for me.
has anyone fitted these - can anyone recommend a type/ brand. And anyone know of faults/problems/pit falls. Also where is the best place to get them from.
any help will be greatly appreciated

thanks Kev

gazj82 · Feb 6, 2014

Does need to have payment?

Can it just be 40 normal meters, and the landlord counts up the KWH and charges them accordingly. I'm sure he would love visiting 40 properties every quater!

KevinS · Feb 6, 2014

No, the power needs to be paid in advance as there is no hope in him getting paid once they've had it.
PS I did say the bill gets divided by 40 - but hardly anyone pays. Another reason for pre payment
cheers

gazj82 · Feb 6, 2014

Sorry I was being a sarcy and defintely not helpful. I have only ever fitted coin operated meters, so I have no helpful answer. Sorry!

Richard Burns · Feb 6, 2014

Just fit card prepayment meters, they are generally very reliable.
The worst situation you sound like you will have here is that they will be looking to bypass them!
Therefore think about methods of security for the installation, since the customer will have to have access to the meter to use the cards.
Also think about card security, where will they be kept.
The most annoying thing is getting the meters initially set up and ensuring a continual supply of cards.
You would also need some terms and conditions so that buying a card and then losing the card does not mean a refund!