Prepayment systems are typically used on communal and district heating systems as a viable, cost effective and simple alternative to traditional collection of heating charges and the associated administrative problems. The Genesis 4 (G4) system as well as controlling heating is also capable of managing debt accounts and daily standing charge reduction.
ENER·G Switch2 were among the first to introduce the concept of prepayment for communal and district heating systems and remain the sole company, able to offer this service together with a complete range of complimentary support services.
Method of operation
Consumers are issued with a “smart card” or “smart tag” unique to their home address and are required to periodically visit a conveniently situated point of sale, usually a local shop or post office, in order to place monetary value onto the card. When the card is taken home and inserted into the controller the credit is transferred onto the display and the consumer is then able to use the heating and hot water systems in the normal way. During this period a heat meter is used to monitor consumption and signals are relayed to the controller, which gradually reduce the amount of remaining credit. Prior to credit becoming exhausted the customer needs to make a further visit to the point of sale and add funds. However, if the credit becomes exhausted and the customer is unable to visit the point of sale a preset amount of emergency credit is available at the touch of a button, thereby allowing continued usage of the heating and hot water systems. Once used the amount of emergency credit is then automatically deducted in full from the value of the next purchase made at the point of sale.
Meter Reading
Every time the card is inserted into the controller details of consumption are downloaded onto it, and this information makes its way back to a central database via the point of sale. The system is thereby providing a continuous meter reading service without the necessity to gain access to carry out a physical read.
Features
- Consumers pay only for their own heat, as and when they use it
- Emergency credit facility to avoid consumers being without heat
- Continuous monitoring of consumption and meter reading
- Customer Billing Option
- High level of security
Benefits
- All heating charges are collected in advance
- No bills or accounts to raise nor refunds to pay
- Reductions in overall energy costs
- Reduced administration costs
- Recovery of bad debts
