4. DESCRIPTION:

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims benefit of prior filed provisional Application No: 186/CHE/2010 entitled "System and Method for Management of Energy Meters Data through a Communication Network" filed on January 2010.
Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for remote management of energy meter data.
Background of the Invention

[0003] Typically, a periodic reading of the energy meter is necessary to determine the usage and to bill the user for the amount of energy consumed. Conventionally the utility companies collect the periodic readings of the energy meters by manually visiting each location on a regular basis. So the utility companies for many years have been burdened with the labor intensive and cumbersome task of manually collecting meter readings, managing data from the field into the accounting area and managing the billing. The process is costly, time consuming, and involve various risks to personnel involved in manually collecting meter data. Further more the conventional means of measuring energy meter readings lack the ability of managing the user requirements in a peak hour and also in determining the time of usage.

[0004] To overcome the above mentioned problems, the hand-held reading units have been developed with a data collection unit attached to the user's energy meter having a data transmitter and a receiver at collecting unit. The hand-held collecting meter reading requires an operator having a meter or collection unit interrogation device to be in close physical proximity of the meter to obtain the meter reading and transport the data to a central computer communicatively coupled to the authorized service providing center or a radio drive-by or walk- by unit with a mobile receiver mounted in a service vehicle or a utility worker having a handheld unit. The receiver emits a signal to the collection unit to transmit the meter reading data to the receiver. The received meter data is then stored and later entered into a billing system. These approaches require the manual visit to each meter location and require time to download the data to the billing system, involve prohibitive capital costs for vehicles, software, hardware requirements, a complex and costly infrastructure.

[0005] Conventionally, post paid system refers to the supply of electricity to a domestic house is measured by a manual periodic reading based on which the accounts for payment by the user are prepared. In the prepaid systems, there no manual periodic reading and the user pays in advance for a quantum of electricity to be used in future. A problem with both these systems is that the user is unable to read the meter from a remote location. A problem with the prepaid system is to recharge the meter with a further quantum without direct user access to the meter.

[0006] Typically, the energy measuring devices for reading the amount of power consumed installed in a house or any commercial location lack the ability to be monitored remotely, lack the facility of remotely converting a payment scheme among the pre payment scheme and the post payment scheme according to the user convenience and further more these devices are liable to get tampered. Tampering of the energy measuring devices result in inaccurate billing there by resulting in a huge revenue loss to the service providers.

[0007] The conventional devices used for measuring the energy consumed further lack the ability of maintaining the load profile, lack the ability of analyzing the data requested by the users and controlling the amount of energy consumed and the like. Furthermore the conventional systems adapted for managing the set up of the energy measuring devices lack the ability of using a communication network for remote maintenance of energy meter data, user requirements, load profiling and the like.

[0008] Hence there exists a need for a system and a method for remote management of an energy meter through a communication network.
Brief Summary of the Invention

[0009] A system and a method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network are disclosed. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes at least one energy meter module coupled with a data transceiver through at least one of a wired communication link or a wireless communication link. The data transceiver enables a transmission and a reception of the energy meter data over the communication network.

[0010] According to the first aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes a meter data management system for performing the reception, the transmission, a storing, an analysis of number of energy units consumed by the at least one energy meter module, a processing of the energy meter data and the like.

[0011 ] According to the first aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes a group of data concentrators serving as an interface for enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network. An individual data concentrator among the group of data concentrators communicates with the at least one energy meter module.

[12] According to the first aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate an interface between the meter data management system, the group of data concentrators and the at least one energy meter module. The intelligent remote interface server enables a two way communication of the energy meter data for enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center is disclosed. According to the second aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center includes at least one energy meter module coupled with a global system for mobile communication modem. The at least one energy meter module assigned with an unique identification code.

[14] According to the second aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center includes an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module and a meter data management system. The intelligent remote interface server transmits at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the unique identification code of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the command request through the short messaging service center and receives at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the short messaging service center.
[15] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a general packet radio service is disclosed. According to the third aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a general packet radio service includes at least one energy meter module coupled with a global system for mobile communication modem. The at least one energy meter module assigned with an internet protocol address.
[16] According to the third aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a general packet radio service includes an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module and a meter data management system. The intelligent remote interface server transmits at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the internet protocol address of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the command request through a general packet radio service server and receives at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the general packet radio service server. The general packet radio service server performs a processing of the at least one command request transmitted by the intelligent remote interface server to transfer to the at least one energy meter module and receives the at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module to transmit to the intelligent remote interface server.
[17] According to a fourth aspect, a system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call is disclosed. According to the fourth aspect.
the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call includes at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module. The user establishes the data call for performing a predetermined task associated to the at least one energy meter module by dialing a number associated to the at least one energy meter module.
[18] According to the fourth aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call includes an intelligent remote interface server serving as an interface between the meter data management system, the at least one energy meter and the at least one communication device authenticated to the user. The intelligent remote interface server transmits the data call to the at least one energy meter module and transmits the acknowledgement of the at least one energy meter module to the meter data management system and to the at least one communication device authenticated to the user. The at least one communication device authenticated to the user assigned with a predetermined number along with a regular mobile communication number of the communication device.
[19] According to a fifth aspect, a system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network is disclosed. According to the fifth aspect, the system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes an intelligent remote interface server for receiving an alert message comprising a number of energy units currently associated with the at least one energy meter module to operate in an active state.
[20] According to the fifth aspect, the system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes a meter data management system for receiving and processing the alert message transmitted by the at least one energy meter module through the intelligent remote interface server.

[21] According to the fifth aspect, the system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication
network includes at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module for receiving a processed alert message from the meter data management system and replenishing the at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units by a plurality of payment gate ways through the communication network to operate the at least one energy meter module in the active state. The intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module, the meter data management system and the at least one communication device authenticated to the user of the at least one energy meter module.
[22] According to a sixth aspect a method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network is disclosed. According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes a transmission and a reception of the energy meter data through the communication network by a data transceiver coupled to at least one energy meter module.
According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network by a group of data concentrators.
[24] According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes enabling a two way communication of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network by an intelligent remote interface server. The intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the meter data management system and the group of data concentrators.

[25] According to a seventh aspect a method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis is disclosed. According to the seventh aspect, the method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis includes collecting energy consumption data by a group of data concentrators from the at least one energy meter module. The at least one energy meter module positioned at a transformer of the power distribution station and further associated to an authenticated user.
[26] According to the seventh aspect, the method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis includes transmitting the collected energy consumption data to a meter data management system through an intelligent remote interface server.
[27] According to the seventh aspect, the method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis includes comparing a total energy consumed by the at least one energy meter module associated to the authenticated user and the total energy consumed by the at least one energy meter module positioned at a transformer of the power distribution station to audit the amount of power distributed by a power distribution station by the meter data management system.
[28] According to an eighth aspect, a method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network is disclosed. According to the eighth aspect, the method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes transmitting an alert message from the at least one energy meter module to an intelligent remote interface server, whereby the alert message comprises a number of energy units currently associated with the at least one energy meter module to operate in an active state.
[29] According to the eighth aspect, the method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes receiving the alert message transmitted to the intelligent remote interface server by a meter data management system for processing by a plurality of server modules associated with the meter data management system.
[30] According to the eighth aspect, the method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes transmitting a processed alert message to at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module by the meter data management system through the intelligent remote interface server, whereby the user of the at least one communication device replenishes the at least one energy meter module with a predetermined number of energy units through at least one payment gateway to operate the at least one energy meter module in the active state.
Brief Description of the Drawings
10031 ] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[32] FlG.l is a diagram depicting an over view of a system for remote management of a plurality of energy meters.
[33] FIG.2 is a diagram depicting management of energy meter data by a short message service center.
FIG.3 is a diagram depicting management of energy meter data through GPRS servers.
[35] FIG.4 is a diagram depicting management of energy meter data by a data call.
[36] F1G.5 is a diagram depicting retrofitting a smart enabled meter.
[37] F1G.6 is a diagram depicting a retrofitting of a conventional energy meter.
[38] FIG.7 is a diagram depicting a method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis.
[39] FIG.8 is a block diagram depicting a system for conversion of a tariff mode of an energy meter module.
[40] F1G.9 is a block diagram depicting a method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network.
[41] FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a system for enabling conventional energy measuring devices to communicate with an energy meter module.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[42] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[43] The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Further, the use of terms "first', "second", and "third", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and a method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network. According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes at least one energy meter module coupled with a data transceiver through at least one of a wired communication link or a wireless communication link. I he data transceiver enables a transmission and a reception of the energy meter data over the communication network.
[45] According to the first aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes a meter data management system for performing the reception, the transmission, a storing, an analysis of number of energy units consumed by the at least one energy meter module, a processing of the energy meter data and the like. The meter data management system includes a plurality of server modules for performing the storing, an analysis of number of energy units consumed by the at least one energy meter module, the processing of the energy meter data and the like.
[46] According to the first aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes a group of data concentrators serving as an interface for enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network. An individual data concentrator among the group of data concentrators communicates with the at least one energy meter module.
[47] According to the first aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate an interface between the meter data management system, the group of data concentrators and the at least one energy meter module. The intelligent remote interface server enables a two way communication of the energy meter data for enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network.
[48] According to the first aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network further includes at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module. The at least, one communication device configured to perform a remote monitoring of the at least one energy meter module, a remote configuration of the at least one energy meter module, a reception of a plurality of events associated to the at least one energy meter module, a transmission and reception of a plurality of commands from the at least one energy meter module, a reception of a plurality of alerts associated to the energy meter module and the like.
[49] According to the first aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network further includes a short messaging service center, a global system for mobile communication modem operated in a general packet radio service network and a data call mechanism.
[50] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center is disclosed. According to the second aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center includes at least one energy meter module coupled with a global system for mobile communication modem. The at least one energy meter module assigned with an unique identification code.
[51] According to the second aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center includes an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module and a meter data management system. The intelligent remote interface server transmits at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the unique identification code of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the command request through the short messaging service center and receives at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the short messaging service center. The intelligent remote interface server transmits the at least one command request to the short messaging service center employing a short message peer to peer protocol, a simple mail transfer protocol, a hyper text transfer protocol, a transmission control protocol/internet protocol, a simple network time protocol, a pushing of a uniform resource locator and the like. The short messaging service center performs a processing of the at least one command request transmitted by the intelligent remote interface server to transfer to the at least one energy meter module and receives the at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module to transmit to the intelligent remote interface server.
[52] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a general packet radio service is disclosed. According to the third aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a general packet radio service includes at least one energy meter module coupled with a global system for mobile communication modem. The at least one energy meter module assigned with an internet protocol address.
[53] According to the third aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utiHzing a general packet radio service includes an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module and a meter data management system. The intelligent remote interface server transmits at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the internet protocol address of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the command request through a general packet radio service server and receives at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the general packet radio service server. The general packet radio service server performs a processing of the at least one command request transmitted by the intelligent remote interface server to transfer to the at least one energy meter module and receives the at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module to transmit to the intelligent remote interface server.
According to a fourth aspect, a system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call is disclosed. According to the fourth aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call includes at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module. The user establishes the data call for performing a predetermined task associated to the at least one energy meter module by dialing a number associated to the at least one energy meter module.
[55] According to the fourth aspect, the system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call includes an intelligent remote interface server serving as an interface between the meter data management system, the at least one energy meter and the at least one communication device authenticated to the user. The intelligent remote interface server transmits the data call to the at least one energy meter module and transmits the acknowledgement of the at least one energy meter module to the meter data management system and to the at least one communication device authenticated to the user. 1 he at least one communication device authenticated to the user assigned with a predetermined number along with a regular mobile communication number of the communication device.
[56] According to a fifth aspect, a system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network is disclosed. According to the fifth aspect, the system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes an intelligent remote interface server for receiving an alert message comprising a number of energy units currently associated with the at least one energy meter module to operate in an active state.
[57] According to the fifth aspect, the system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes a meter data management system for receiving and processing the alert message transmitted by the at least one energy meter module through the intelligent remote interface server.
[58] According to the fifth aspect, the system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module for receiving a processed alert message from the meter data management system and replenishing the at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units by a plurality of payment gate ways through the communication network to operate the at least one energy meter module in the active state. The intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module, the meter data management system and the at least one communication device authenticated to the user of the at least one energy meter module.
[59] According to a sixth aspect a method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network is disclosed. According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes a transmission and a reception of the energy meter data through the communication network by a data transceiver coupled to at least one energy meter module. The data transceiver coupled to the at least one energy meter module through a wired communication link or a wired communication link.
[60] According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes performing the reception, the transmission, a storing, an analysis of number of energy units consumed by the at least one energy meter module, a processing of the energy meter data by a meter data management system and the like.
[61] According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network by a group of data concentrators.
[62] According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network includes enabling a two way communication of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network by an intelligent remote interface server. The intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the meter data management system and the group of data concentrators.
[63] According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network further includes retrofitting of at least one conventional energy meter module to communicate with the meter data management system through the group of data concentrators and the intelligent remote interface server.
According to the sixth aspect, the method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network further includes managing energy meter data by a short messaging service center, managing energy meter data by a global system for mobile communication modem operated in a general packet radio service network and managing energy meter data by establishing a data call. Management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center includes assigning an unique identification code to the at least one energy meter module coupled with the global system for mobile communication modem and transmitting at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the unique identification code of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the at least one command request through the short
messaging service center and receiving at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the short messaging service center by the intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as the interface between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system. Management of the energy meter data through a communication network utilizing the general packet radio service includes assigning an internet protocol address to at least one energy meter module coupled with a global system for mobile communication modem and transmitting at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the internet protocol address of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the at least one command request through the short messaging service center and receiving at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the short messaging service center by the intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as the interface between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system. Management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call includes establishing the data call by at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module for performing a predetermined task associated to the at least one energy meter module by dialing a number associated to the at least one energy meter module and transmitting the data call to the at least one energy meter module and transmitting the acknowledgement of the at least one energy meter module to the meter data management system and to the at least one communication device authenticated to the user by the intelligent remote interface server, whereby the at least one communication device authenticated to the user assigned with a predetermined number along with a regular mobile communication number of the communication device.
[0065] According to a seventh aspect a method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis is disclosed. According to the seventh aspect, the method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis includes collecting energy consumption data by a group of data concentrators from the at least one energy meter module. The at least one energy meter module positioned at a transformer of the power distribution station and further associated to an authenticated user.
[66] According to the seventh aspect, the method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis includes transmitting the collected energy consumption data to a meter data management system through an intelligent remote interface server.
[67] According to the seventh aspect, the method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis includes comparing a total energy consumed by the at least one energy meter module associated to the authenticated user and the total energy consumed by the at least one energy meter module positioned at a transformer of the power distribution station to audit the amount of power distributed by a power distribution station by the meter data management system.
[68] According to an eighth aspect, a method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network is disclosed. According to the eighth aspect, the method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes transmitting an alert message from the at least one energy meter module to an intelligent remote interface server, whereby the alert message comprises a number of energy units currently associated with the at least one energy meter module to operate in an active state.
[69] According to the eighth aspect, the method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes receiving the alert message transmitted to the intelligent remote interface server by a meter data management system for processing by a plurality of server modules associated with the meter data management system.
[70] According to the eighth aspect, the method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes transmitting a processed alert message to at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module by the meter data management system through the intelligent remote interface server, whereby the user of the at least one communication device replenishes the at least one energy meter module with a predetermined
number of energy units through at least one payment gateway to operate the at least one energy meter module in the active state.
[71] Referring to FIG.l is a diagram 100 depicting an over view of a system for remote management of energy meters. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system includes multiple data transceiver 114 coupled to multiple energy meter modules 102, a data concentrator (DC) 104, an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 110 and a meter data management system (MDMS) 112. The multiple energy meters 102 include electricity meters, water meters, gas meters and the like. Each data transceiver 114 is coupled with each energy meter module 102 through a wired communication medium or a wireless communication medium. The data transceiver 114 reads the energy meter data on receiving a command transmitted by the data concentrator 104 or the command send by the MDMS 112 through the IRIS 110 and the data concentrator 104 and vice-e-versa.
[72] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 108 acts as a medium for transmitting and receiving the energy meter data between the multiple energy meters 102 and the meter data management system 112. The data concentrators (DC) 104 are equipped in the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 108 and the communication network 106 is also a part of AMI 108. I he data concentrator (DC) 104 transmits data to and receives data from the multiple energy meters 102 over the communication network 106. The communication network 106 includes both long range communication network and short range communication network. The data concentrator 104 maintains the data of the multiple energy meters 102 on a periodical and real time basis. The data concentrator 104 acts as an interface between IRIS 110 and the multiple energy meters 102. The long range communication network includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network, a Wi-Fi network, a fiber optic network and the like. The short range communication network includes a zigbee network, a Wi- Fi network, a 61owPAN network, a radio frequency network, a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network and the like.
[73] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data concentrator (DC) 104 is enabled to communicate with the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 110 through the advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) 108. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 110 also referred as head end server interface. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 110 interfaces advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 108 and the meter data management system (MDMS) 112. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 110 facilitates a two way communication between the multiple energy meters 102 and meter data management system (MDMS) 112 to perform the required operations. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 110 provides data input to perform back end operations.
[74] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the meter data management system (MDMS) 112 is communicatively coupled with the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 110. The meter data management system (MDMS) 112 includes a data base server, a load profiling server, an application server, a customer relationship management server, a billing server, and other servers. The meter data management system (MDMS) 112 processes and analyzes the energy meter data according to the predetermined operation. The meter data management system (MDMS) 112 is also termed as automated meter management (AMM). The predetermined operation includes a real time meter reading, a remote meter reading, a remote connect and disconnect, an interval metering, an automated and timely billing, a data storage, a pre-payment metering, an outage handling, a load profiling and a demand side management, a timely bill and payment alerts, the energy meter health check, a tamper proof of the energy meter and the like. Each of the multiple energy meters 102 records the number of energy units consumed. Each energy meter 102 is provided with a home display unit (HDIJ). The multiple energy meters 102 interact with the home display unit (HDU) over a short range communication network. The home display unit (HDU) displays real time energy consumption, timely alerts to the user and thereby enables the user to have a control on the energy consumption.
Referring to FIG.2 is a diagram 200 depicting management of energy meter data by a short message service center. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple energy meters 202 located at different areas are provided with Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM) modems. The GSM modems are communicatively coupled with a short message service center (SMSC) through a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network. The short message service center (SMSC) communicates with intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 208 over a web 206. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 208 acts as the interface between the multiple energy meters 202 and the meter data management system (MDMS) 210. The web is a communication medium that includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network, a Wi-Fi network, a fiber optic network and the like.
[76] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 208 generates a file containing the meter-id, the command based on the predetermined operation. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 208 sends the generated file to the SMSC by using a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), a Short Message Peer-to-Peer (SMPP) protocol, a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), a push Uniform Resource Locator (URL), a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) 204. The short message service center (SMSC) processes the received file and further sends command of the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 208 to the appropriate meter among the multiple energy meters 202 based on the specified meter-id. The multiple energy meters 202 functions according to the received command and provides response to the short message service center (SMSC). The short message service center (SMSC) in turn transmits all the responses of the multiple energy meters 202 in the form of the file to the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 208 over the web 206.
[77] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a meter data management system (MDMS) 210 is coupled to the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 208. The received responses are transmitted from the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 208 to the meter data management system (MDMS) 210. The meter data management system (MDMS) 210 processes the response received from the multiple energy meters 202 based on the predetermined operation. The required operation includes the real time meter reading, the remote meter reading, the remote connect and disconnect, the interval metering, the automated and timely billing, the data storage, the pre-payment metering, the outage handling, the load profiling and demand side management, the timely bill and payment alerts, the energy meter health check, the tamper proof of the energy meters and the like. The meter data management system (MDMS) 210 includes the data base server, the load profiling server, the application server, the customer relationship management server, the billing server, and other servers.
[78] Referring to FIG.3 is a diagram 300 depicting management of an energy meter data through GPRS servers. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple energy meters 302 are communicatively coupled with a GPRS server 306 through a web 304. The multiple energy meters 302 are authenticated to an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 310 by assigning an internet protocol (IP) address to each of the multiple energy meters 302. The GPRS server 306 is communicatively coupled with the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 310 over the web 308. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 310 sends the file with commands and IP addresses of the multiple energy meters 302 to the GPRS server 306. The GPRS server 306 processes the received file and further send the commands to the multiple energy meters 302 with respect to the IP addresses of the multiple energy meters 302. The web includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network, a Wi-Fi network, a fiber optic network and the like.
[79] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the multiple energy meters 302 authenticated to the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 310 receives the command based on their IP address. The multiple energy meters 302 works according to the received command and delivers the responses to the GPRS server 306 through the web 304. The GPRS server 306 transmits the received response to the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 310 over the web 308.The intelligent interface server (IRIS) 310 sends the received response to a meter data management system (MDMS) 312. The meter data management system (MDMS) 312 processes the received responses of the multiple energy meters 302. The meter data management system (MDMS) 312 includes the data base server, the load profiling server, the application server, the customer relationship management server, the
billing server, and other servers. The meter data management system (MDMS) 312 is also referred as automated meter management (AMM).
[80] Referring to FIG.4 is a diagram 400 depicting management of energy meter data by a data call. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each of the multiple energy meter modules 402 located at different locations are assigned with a number of predetermined digits on top of a regular number. The multiple energy meter modules 402 are communicatively coupled to an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 404 over a web.
[81] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary eml^odiment of the present invention, the user establishes the data call for performing a predetermined task associated to the energy meter module 402 by dialing the number associated to the energy meter module 402 through a communication device authenticated to a user of the energy meter module 402. The intelligent remote interface server 404 serving as an interface between a meter data management system 406, the multiple energy meter modules 402 and the communication device authenticated to the user, to transmit the data call to the energy meter module 402 and transmits the acknowledgement of the energy meter module 402 to the meter data management system 406 and to the communication device authenticated to the user. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 404 provides the instructions through the data call to the multiple energy meter modules 402 over the web. The multiple energy meter modules 402 function according to the received instructions from the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 404 and further delivers the responses to the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 404 over the web.
[82] According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the meter data management system (MDMS) 406 processes the received responses of the multiple energy meter modules 402 transmitted by the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 404 based on the predetermined operation. The predetermined operation includes the real time meter reading, the remote meter reading, the remote connect and disconnect, the interval metering, the automated and timely billing, the data storage, the pre-payment metering, the outage handling, the load profiling and demand side management, the timely bill and payment alerts, the energy meter health check, the tamper proof of energy meters and the like. The meter data management system (MDMS) 406 includes the data base server, the load profiling server, the application server, the customer relationship management server, the billing server, and other servers.
[0083] Referring to FIG.5 is a diagram 500 depicting retrofitting a smart enabled meter. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the energy meter 502 is retrofitted and communicatively coupled with an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 506 by connecting a data transceiver 504. The energy meter 502 enabled by the data transceiver 504 is referred as a smart enabled meter. The data transceiver 504 is coupled with each of the energy meter 502 through a wired communication medium or a wireless communication medium. The data transceiver 504 is a communication module compatible to operate in both short range communication network and a web (long range communication network). The short range communication network includes a zigbee network, a Wi-Fi network, a 61owPAN network, a radio frequency network, a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network and the like. The energy meter 502 is developed with open standards like Device Language Message Specification (DLMS) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to support data transmitter (DT) and data collector (DC) integration. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 506 serves as an interface between a meter data management system (MDMS) 508 and the smart enable meter.

[0084] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the meter data management system (MDMS) 508 directs the commands for the smart enable meter through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 506 over the web. The web includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network, a Wi-Fi network, a fiber optic network and the like. The smart enable meter delivers the response on receiving the commands over the web. The meter data management system (MDMS) 508 receives and further processes the responses to perform a predetermined operation. The predetermined operation includes the real time meter reading, the remote meter reading, the remote connect and disconnect, the interval metering, the automated and timely billing, the data storage, the pre-payment metering, the outage handling, the load profiling and demand side
management, the timely bill and payment alerts, the energy meter health check, the tamper proof and the like.
[85] Referring to F1G.6 is a diagram 600 depicting a retrofitting of a conventional energy meter. According to a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the digital energy meter 602 is enabled to communicate with a meter data management system (MDMS) 612 by connecting with a data transceiver 608. The data transceiver 608 is coupled with each of the energy meter 602 through a wired communication medium or a wireless communication medium. The data transceiver 608 is a communication module compatible to operate in both short range communication network and a web (long range communication network). The short range communication network includes a zigbee network, a Wi-Fi network, a 6IowPAN network, a radio frequency network, a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network and the like. The digital energy meter 602 coupled with the data transceiver 608 is termed as a retrofitted energy meter. The digital energy meter 602 is provided with a standard output like RS-232 606 or USB 604 to read data from the retrofitted energy meter. The standard outputs coupled with the data transceiver (DT) 608 for sending the energy meter data to the data collector (DC) as a protocol given by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).
[86] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an intelligent remote interfacing system (IRIS) 610 acts an interface to communicate the instructions between the meter data management system (MDMS) 612 and the retrofitted energy meter over the web. The meter data management system (MDMS) 612 communicates with the retrofitted energy meter to perform the predetermined operations. The required operation includes the real time meter reading, the remote meter reading, the remote connect and disconnect, the interval metering, the automated and timely billing, the data storage, the pre¬payment metering, the outage handling, the load profiling and demand side management, the timely bill and payment alerts, the energy meter health check, the tamper proof of the energy meters and the like.
Referring to FIG.7 is a diagram 700 depicting a method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis includes multiple user authenticated energy meters 702 connected to electric poles 704, a data concentrator 708, a power distribution transformer 710, an energy meter 706 for measuring the actual power distributed through the power distribution transformer 710. a power distribution substation 712, a web 714, an intelligent remote interfacing system (IRIS) 716, a meter data management system (MDMS) 718. The data transceiver is coupled with each of the energy meter 702 through a wired communication medium or a wireless communication medium. The data transceiver is a communication module compatible to operate in both short range communication network and a web (long range communication network). The short range communication network includes a zigbee network, a Wi-Fi network, a 61owPAN network, a radio frequency network, a power line carrier communication (PLCC) network and the like. The data concentrator communicates with the multiple energy meters through both the short range communications and the long range communications. The multiple user authenticated energy meters 702 measures the power consumed in domestic, commercial, agricultural purposes and the like.
[88] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power is distributed to the authenticated areas from the power distribution substation 712. The energy meter 706 is coupled to the power distribution transformer 710 to measure the amount of the power distributed to the authenticated areas authorized to the power distribution transformer 710. The authenticated areas are provided with the multiple user authenticated energy meters 702. The multiple user authenticated energy meters 702 measures the amount of power consumed by the user. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the energy meter readings of both the energy meter 706 and the multiple user authenticated energy meters 702 are transmitted to the data concentrator 708 over the short range communication network and the long range communication network.
[89] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the data concentrator 708 transmits the received readings of energy meters 706 and 702 to the intelligent remote interfacing system (IRIS) 716 over the web 714. The web 714 includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS)
network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a Wl max network, a Wi-Fi network, fiber optic network and the like. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 716 transmits the received energy meter readings to the meter data management system (MDMS) 718. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 716 serves as an interface between the meter data management system (MDMS) 718 and the data concentrator 708.
[0090| According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the meter data management system (MDMS) 718 processes the received energy meter readings of both the energy meter 706 and the multiple user authenticated energy meters 702 and thereby performing an audit of the overall distribution of power to the authenticated areas and individual consumption of the power by each authenticated area. The estimation helps in determining the loss of distributed power and further helps in determining tampering of energy meters.
[91] Referring to FIG.8 is a block diagram 800 depicting a system for conversion of a tariff mode of an energy meter module. In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an interface 802, an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 804, a meter data management system (MDMS) 806, an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 808 and an energy meter 810. The authenticated user of the energy meter 810 sends a request from a communication device to the meter data management system (MDMS) 806. The user of the energy meter 810 sends a request from the communication device to convert the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter 810 authorized to the communication device. The communication device includes a hand held mobile communication device, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer operated in a secured web environment and the like. The communication device communicates through an interface 802 for transmitting the tariff mode conversion request to the meter data management system (MDMS) 806. The interface 802 is communicatively coupled to an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 804. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 804 serves as a two way communicating server between the meter data management system (MDMS) 806 and interface 802.
[92] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the meter data management system (MDMS) 806 processes the received tariff mode conversion request transmitted by the communication device through the interface 802 and the IRIS 804. The meter data management system (MDMS) 806 includes the data base server, the load profiling server, the application server, the customer relationship management server, the billing server, and other servers. The meter data management system (MDMS) 806 is also termed as automated meter management (AMM). The customer relationship management server of the meter data management system (MDMS) 806 analyzes the received tariff mode conversion request and the billing server of the meter data management system (MDMS) 806 receives the analyzed tariff mode conversion request and converts the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter 810 by communicating with the energy meter 810 through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 804 and the data concentrator equipped in the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 808. The data concentrator (DC) equipped in the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) 808 communicates with the energy meter 810 and finally the tariff mode of the energy meter 810 gets converted.
[93] In accordance with a non limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user receives a confirmation message from the meter data management system (MDMS) 806 to the communication device relating to the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter 810 through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 804 and the interface 802 coupled to the communication device. The message confirms that the tariff mode conversion request is accepted and performed. According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, the system for converting a tariff mode of the energy meter module is compatible to a Device Language Message Specification Standard (DLMS), a American National Standard Institute (ANSI) standard and the like.
[94] Referring to FIG.9 is a block diagram 900 depicting a method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network includes an energy meter 902, a communication device 910 authenticated to the energy meter 902, an intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 904, a meter data management system (MDMS) 906, and a payment gateway 908.
[95] In accordance with a non hmiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the energy meter 902 generates a low balance alert to the meter data management system (MDMS) 906 through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS). The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 904 serves as a communicating server between the energy meter 902 and the meter data management system (MDMS) 906. The energy meter and the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 804 are communicatively coupled over the long range communication network. The long range communication network includes a global system for mobile communication (GSM) network, a general packet radio service (GPRS) network, a public switched telephone (PSTN) network, a broadband over power line, a WI max network, Wi-Fi network, a fiber optic network and the like. The intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 904 transmits the alert of the energy meter 902 to the meter data management system (MDMS) 906. The meter data management system (MDMS) 906 sends low balance alert as a SMS or an email to the communication device 910 authorized to the energy meter 902 through the (IRIS) 904 to replenish the energy meter credits. The user is alerted by the message sent by the meter data management system (MDMS) 906 and further pays for the meter credits through the payment gateway 908. The meter data management system (MDMS) 906 on receiving the paid alert from the user of the energy meter 902 recharges the credits of the energy meter 902 through the intelligent remote interface server (IRIS) 904. The communication device includes a hand held mobile communication device, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer operated in a secured web environment and the like.
[96] Referring to FIG. 10 is a diagram 1000 depicting a system for enabling conventional energy measuring devices to communicate with energy meter module. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conventional energy measuring devices are coupled with an energy meter 1002. The energy meter 1002 is capable of interacting with a remotely located energy data monitoring servers through a web. The energy meter 1002 capable of reading two external digital devices with two separate memory registers to store the external device pulses. The conventional energy measuring devices include slide gas meter 1006, water meter 1004, electricity meters and the like.
[97] As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art the present invention provides a variety of advantages. The invention provides a remote conversion of the predefined tariff mode of the energy meter, a remote and a real-time meter reading, a remote meter reading , a remote connection or disconnection of the energy meter, a interval metering, an automated and timely billing, a pre-payment metering, an outage handling, a demand side management, a timely bill and payment alerts, a dynamic pricing based on time of use and time of day, an energy meter health check, a management of user behavior information i.e. load profiling, alerting in case of tampering the energy meter, on-meter display and data storage in meters, better management and control, remote meter condition check, demand forecasting and business analytics for utility companies and the like.

[98] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

5. CLAIMS

What is claimed is

1. A system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network, comprising:

at least one energy meter module coupled with a data transceiver through at least one of a wired communication link; and a wireless communication link, whereby the data transceiver enables a transmission and a reception of the energy meter data over the communication network;
a meter data management system for performing at least one of the reception; the transmission; a storing; an analysis of number of energy units consumed by the at least one energy meter module; and a processing of the energy meter data;
a group of data concentrators serving as an interface for enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network, whereby an individual data concentrator among the group of data concentrators communicates with the at least one energy meter module; and
an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the meter data management system, the group of data concentrators and the at least one energy meter module, whereby the intelligent remote interface server enables a two way communication of the energy meter data for enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the meter data management system comprising a plurality of server modules for performing at least one of the storing; an analysis of number of energy units consumed by the at least one energy meter module; and the processing of the energy meter data.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module, whereby the at least one communication device configured to perform at least one of: a remote monitoring of the at least one energy meter module; a remote configuration of the at least one energy meter module; a reception of a plurality of events associated to the at least one energy meter module; a transmission and reception of a plurality of commands from the at least one energy meter module; and a reception of a plurality of alerts associated to the energy meter module.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one of:

a short messaging service center;
a global system for mobile communication modem operated in a general packet radio service network; and
a data call mechanism.

5. A system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center, comprising:

at least one energy meter module coupled with a global system for mobile communication modem, whereby the at least one energy meter module assigned with an unique identification code; and
an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module and a meter data management system, whereby the intelligent remote interface server transmits at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the unique identification code of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the command request through the short messaging service center and receives at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the short messaging service center.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the intelligent remote interface server transmits the at least one command request to the short messaging service center employing at least one of:

a short message peer to peer protocol;
a simple mail transfer protocol;
a hyper text transfer protocol;
a transmission control protocol/internet protocol;
a simple network time protocol; and a pushing of a uniform resource locator.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the short messaging service center performs a processing of the at least one command request transmitted by the intelligent remote interface server to transfer to the at least one energy meter module and receives the at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module to transmit to the intelligent remote interface server.

8. A system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a general packet radio service, comprising:

at least one energy meter module coupled with a global system for mobile communication modem, whereby the at least one energy meter module assigned with an internet protocol address; and
an intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module and a meter data management system, whereby the intelligent remote interface server transmits at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the internet protocol address of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the command request through a general packet radio service server and receives at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the general packet radio service server.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the general packet radio service server performs a processing of the at least one command request transmitted by the intelligent remote interface server to transfer to the at least one energy meter module and receives the at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module to transmit to the intelligent remote interface server.

10. A system for management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call, comprising:

at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module, whereby the user establishes the data call for performing a predetermined task associated to the at least one energy meter module by dialing a number associated to the at least one energy meter module; and
an intelligent remote interface server serving as an interface between the meter data management system, the at least one energy meter and the at least one communication device authenticated to the user, whereby the intelligent remote interface server transmits the data call to the at least one energy meter module and transmits the acknowledgement of the at least one energy meter module to the meter data management system and to the at least one communication device authenticated to the user.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one communication device authenticated to the user assigned with a predetermined number along with a regular mobile communication number of the communication device.

12. A system adapted for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network, comprising:

an intelligent remote interface server for receiving an alert message comprising a number of energy units currently associated with the at least one energy meter module to operate in an active state;
a meter data management system for receiving and processing the alert message transmitted by the at least one energy meter module through the intelligent remote interface server; and
at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module for receiving a processed alert message from the meter data management system and replenishing the at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units by a plurality of payment gate ways through the communication network to operate the at least one energy meter module in the active state.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the at least one energy meter module, the meter data management system and the at least one communication device authenticated to the user of the at least one energy meter module.

14. A method for management of an energy meter data through a communication network, comprising:
transmission and a reception of the energy meter data through the communication network by a data transceiver coupled to at least one energy meter module, whereby the data transceiver coupled to the at least one energy meter module through at least one of: a wired communication link; and a wired communication link;

performing at least one of: the reception; the transmission; a storing; an analysis of number of energy units consumed by the at least one energy meter module; and a processing of the energy meter data by a meter data management system; enabling the transmission and the reception of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network by a group of data concentrators;
enabling a two way communication of the energy meter data between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system over the communication network by an intelligent remote interface server, where by the intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as an interface between the meter data management system and the group of data concentrators.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising retrofitting of at least one conventional energy meter module to communicate with the meter data management system through the group of data concentrators and the intelligent remote interface server.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising at least one of:
managing energy meter data by a short messaging service center;
managing energy meter data by a global system for mobile communication modem operated in a general packet radio service network; and
managing energy meter data by establishing a data call.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein management of an energy meter data through a communication network utilizing a short messaging service center, comprising:

assigning an unique identification code to the at least one energy meter module coupled with the global system for mobile communication modem; and
transmitting at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the unique identification code of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the at least one command request through the short messaging service center and receiving at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the short messaging service center by the intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as the interface between the at least one energy meter module and the meter data management system.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein management of the energy meter data through a communication network utilizing the general packet radio service, comprising:

assigning an internet protocol address to at least one energy meter module coupled with a global system for mobile communication modem; and
transmitting at least one command request pre assigned to perform a predetermined task comprising the internet protocol address of the at least one energy meter module determined to receive the at least one command request through the short messaging service center and receiving at least one acknowledgement from the at least one energy meter module through the short messaging service center by the intelligent remote interface server configured to operate as the interface between the at least, one energy meter module and the meter data management system.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein management of an energy meter data through a communication network by establishing a data call, comprising:

establishing the data call by at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module for performing a predetermined task associated to the at least one energy meter module by dialing a number associated to the at least one energy meter module; and
transmitting the data call to the at least one energy meter module and transmitting the acknowledgement of the at least one energy meter module to the meter data management system and to the at least one communication device authenticated to the user by the intelligent remote interface server, whereby the at least one communication device authenticated to the user assigned with a predetermined number along with a regular mobile communication number of the communication device.

20. A method for auditing an amount of power distributed by a power distribution station through a communication network on a real time basis , comprising:

collecting energy consumption data by a group of data concentrators from the at least one energy meter module, whereby the at least one energy meter module positioned at a transformer of the power distribution station and further associated to an authenticated user;
transmitting the collected energy consumption data to a meter data management system through an intelligent remote interface server; and
comparing a total energy consumed by the at least one energy meter module associated to the authenticated user and the total energy consumed by the at least one energy meter module positioned at a transformer of the power distribution station to audit the amount of power distributed by a power distribution station by the meter data management system.

21. A method for real time replenishment of at least one energy meter module with predetermined number of energy units through a communication network, comprising:

transmitting an alert message from the at least one energy meter module to an intelligent remote interface server, whereby the alert message comprises a number of energy units currently associated with the at least one energy meter module to operate in an active state;
receiving the alert message transmitted to the intelligent remote interface server by a meter data management system for processing by a plurality of server modules associated with the meter data management system; and
transmitting a processed alert message to at least one communication device authenticated to a user of the at least one energy meter module by the meter data management system through the intelligent remote interface server, whereby the user of the at least one communication device replenishes the at least one energy meter module with a predetermined number of energy units through at least one payment gateway to operate the at least one energy meter module in the active state.