Prepayment for electric service with the PowerStat

The PowerStat is an electric power information and control system designed to reduce electric costs to the consumer. The system eliminates conventional meter reading and billing schedules and allows the consumer to pay for his electricity at any time and on any regular or random schedule desired. The PowerStat is owned by the utility company and installed in each residence or place of business to provide the consumer with a continuous display of his electric power status. It also shows the amount of electricity available and alerts the consumer when it is time to buy additional power. Testing and evaluation have been underway since February, 1986. Consumer response has been excellent, and early results indicate some reduction in power costs