Knowledge

Home / Information Activity / Blog / Knowledge / 3 types operate modes of Electricity meters

3 types operate modes of Electricity meters

STS token mode, currency prepaid mode and post-paid (traditional) mode Electricity Meter

Electricity meters can operate in various modes to accommodate different billing and usage scenarios. The three main modes you mentioned—STS Token Mode, Currency Prepaid Mode, and Post-Paid (Traditional) Mode—are commonly used in electricity billing systems. Below, I will explain each mode in detail.

1. STS Token Mode

STS stands for Standard Transfer Specification, which is a protocol used for prepaid electricity metering systems. This mode allows customers to purchase electricity credits in the form of tokens, which can then be loaded onto the meter.

- Operation:

- Customers buy prepaid tokens (usually from authorized vendors) that represent a certain amount of electricity.

- The tokens are typically a string of numbers that are entered into the meter either physically or through a mobile phone application.

- Once the token is entered, the meter adds the corresponding value to the remaining balance.

- Benefits:

- Provides customers with control over their electricity usage and expenses.

- Reduces the chances of bill-related disputes since payments are made upfront.

- Helps utilities manage cash flows better by ensuring they receive payment before energy consumption.

2. Currency Prepaid Mode

In the Currency Prepaid Mode, customers pay for their electricity consumption in advance, similar to the STS token system but without the requirement of using tokens. Instead, customers pay a certain amount of money that translates into a specified amount of electricity.

- Operation:

- Customers deposit money into their prepaid electricity accounts, which is linked to their meters.

- The meter deducts the electricity cost based on real-time usage until the prepaid balance runs low.

- Notifications may be provided when the balance is low, prompting customers to recharge.

- Benefits:

- Similar to STS Token Mode, it gives customers more control over their expenses and helps avoid surprises in billing.

- Can be integrated with online payment solutions for convenience.

- Streamlined management for utilities with no need for meter reading in traditional ways.

3. Post-Paid (Traditional) Mode

The Post-Paid (Traditional) Mode is the conventional billing system where customers receive electricity at the beginning of the billing period and are later billed for their actual consumption.

- Operation:

- Electricity is consumed over a billing cycle (usually a month).

- At the end of the cycle, the utility company reads the meter to determine how much electricity was used.

- A bill is generated based on the total consumption, and customers are expected to pay by the due date.

- Benefits:

- Easier setup for utilities that are used to traditional billing processes.

- No need for upfront payments or recharging.

- Customers may prefer this mode if they have stable consumption patterns and want to avoid the hassle of recharge.

Conclusion

Each of these modes has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which mode to implement often depends on factors such as customer preference, utility company policies, and regional practices. Prepaid modes like STS Token Mode and Currency Prepaid Mode offer more control and predictability for consumers, while the Post-Paid Mode provides a traditional billing experience that many are accustomed to.

Zhejiang Yongtailong Electronic Co., Ltd.
YTL is a professional supplier of energy meter and AMI solution. the Top 100-enterprise with most investment value in Zhejiang. And“Yongtailong”is the famous brand of Zhejiang. With nearly 20 years' experience in energy metering, we devote ourselves to providing competitive projects and creating value for customers.
Online + Offline. Provide cost-effectiv solutions
● Strict quality control mechanism.High quality assurance
● Five R&D centers,combine with hardware&software design, experiment and testing
Global service capability, provide customers timely and effective solution
● Good customer feedback. Reliable after-sales service

You Might Also Like

View all products
  • DDS353——MID

    Measurement Single Phase One Module Digital Electrical Meter

    Measurement Single Phase One Module Digital Electrical Meter
  • D112012

    2 Wire 230V 80A 60Hz Single Phase kWh Meter

    2 Wire 230V 80A 60Hz Single Phase kWh Meter
  • K212-01-PLC

    Din Rail Multifuction Digital Single Phase Prepaid Electric Smart Meter

    Din Rail Multifuction Digital Single Phase Prepaid Electric Smart Meter
  • DDS353H-2

    35mm Din Rail 240V Single Phase Energy Meter

    35mm Din Rail 240V Single Phase Energy Meter
  • DTS353F

    Micro Grid Good Reliability Three Phase Power Meter

    Micro Grid Good Reliability Three Phase Power Meter
  • D149001

    Panel Energy Meter Electronic Device Monitor Consumed kWh

    Panel Energy Meter Electronic Device Monitor Consumed kWh
  • CT Groupware

    CT Groupware
  • PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

    PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
  • D123073-Wi-Fine

    YTL STS Prepaid Wi-Fine Energy Meter Single Phase Wall Mounted ODM

    YTL STS Prepaid Wi-Fine Energy Meter Single Phase Wall Mounted ODM
  • STS Prepaid Single Phase Suspension Wi-Fine Energy Meter

    STS Prepaid Single Phase Suspension Wi-Fine Energy Meter
  • DDS353F-R

    DDS353FI kWh Meter Digital LCD Single Phase China electric kWh Meter Supplier

    DDS353FI kWh Meter Digital LCD Single Phase China electric kWh Meter Supplier
  • DDS353F+R+I

    DDS353F+R+I Din Rail Energy Meter Digital Household 230V IoT Watt Hour Meter

    DDS353F+R+I Din Rail Energy Meter Digital Household 230V IoT Watt Hour Meter
Feedback

Feedback