Consumer Access Devices

Abstract

A Consumer Access Device (CAD) 610 is configured to obtain utility 608 consumption data, for example, from a smart meter (not shown). The CAD 610 is also programmed to link to further CADs 612, 614 located at other premises, the linking process being managed by a utility supplier server 618. Once linked, the CADs may communicate via a server or via a peer-to-peer configuration. Applications executed on the CAD allow consumers to interact with other households over their energy usage, for example, to compete for reductions in such usage. In a preferred embodiment, the CAD may be programmed to download applications from an online store.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a Consumer Access Device (CAD) for use with at least one Smart Meter (or other usage measuring device) capable of interacting with at least one other CAD. The present invention relates to a method of linking the CADs and a method of interaction between the CADs. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that consumer access devices are provided to inform home utility consumers of their current energy consumption and also to communicate some data to the cloud. In more advanced cases, CADs can also inform consumers when cheaper tariffs are available. Generally speaking, CADs are intended to encourage lower and / or smarter energy consumption. One problem is that the typical consumer struggles to truly understand or "feel" about their energy consumption: energy data can be rather boring, and it can be difficult to generate enthusiasm in the home to save energy. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The aim of the present invention is to remedy this problem. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a consumer access device for a smart energy system, comprising: A processor; a first memory for storing at least one application; a second memory for secure storage of data representative of utility usage; a first communication means for receiving secure data representative of utility usage; a second communication means for communicating with at least one server; Equipped with The processor is programmed to store in a second memory secure data representative of the utility usage received via the first communication means; The processor is also programmed to execute at least one application stored in the first memory; The processor is further programmed to request that the server establish a link to another consumer access device; the processor is further programmed to, in response to a request from the server, establish a link with the at least one further consumer access device to accept the request; A consumer access device is provided.

[0005] The consumer access devices referred to herein are distinct from smart utility meters and in-home displays (IHDs). Smart meters are concerned with accurately and securely uploading collected data regarding utility usage at the premises. Modifying this data (to deceive the utility company) is beneficial to the utility customer, so smart meters must be secure devices. Typically, smart meters are deployed with various tamper-proof and encryption techniques to ensure that accurate and fraud-free data is transmitted to the utility supplier. For example, utility customers are never able to update data or software residing on the smart meter. Over-the-air (OTA) updates of smart meters may occur, but this is a secure process that is entirely managed by or on behalf of the utility company. However, smart meters may provide data locally on a read-only basis, for example via ZigBee™.

[0006] In-home displays are devices that typically receive usage data from smart meters and display it to utility customers. Such devices may have different display modes, such as current power usage, daily, weekly, or monthly usage to date, etc. They may also indicate when a usage threshold has been exceeded. However, they can only receive data from smart meters (e.g., via ZigBee™) and display it to the customer.

[0007] In contrast to smart meters, Consumer Access Devices (CADs) can be modified by the consumer. Since the secure relay of utility usage data to the utility company server is done directly by the smart meter, a CAD does not need to be deployed for this. This means that the CAD can be modified in response to a consumer request (e.g., by software download).

[0008] In contrast to an in-home display, a CAD is a smart device that can be programmed at the consumer's direction. In this context, the term "programmed" refers to the installation of software that was not included in the device when it was provided to the consumer. This is different from "programming" a device, for example by selecting a display of a particular piece of information from a menu. This selection or customization is a "dumb" process, since the software providing all such displays is already installed at the consumer's request, or at least not installed. The software for installation is preferably developed by a third-party developer independent of the utility company, and is selected by the consumer from a remote source, such as an application store. The software is preferably downloaded over the Internet (such as via a WiFi router on the premises), and is not provided through the smart meter in any way. This has the benefit of not using the secure connection between the smart meter and the utility company for data traffic that does not require such a secure connection.

[0009] The CAD can receive utility consumption information directly from the smart meter, for example via ZigBee™. This distinguishes the CAD from another device, such as a tablet or smartphone, which receives utility consumption information from a utility company server (i.e., information already uploaded by the smart meter and provided by an app on the consumer's device). This allows the CAD to operate with near real-time data, which is not possible using the existing infrastructure, since smart meters typically only upload data every 24 hours (typically 48 half-hour periods). More frequent uploading of data from smart meters (e.g. via DCC) is theoretically possible, but would place an unsustainable strain on the communication network.

[0010] The software selected by the consumer preferably utilizes the utility consumption data provided by the secure portion of the CAD, which receives data directly from the smart meter. This allows third party software developers to develop applications that relate directly to the consumer, such as improved displays of consumption data or energy saving games. Providing a "secure" and "open" portion of the CAD protects the security of the utility usage data while allowing third party developers access to the platform. Empowering the development community to provide apps from the consumer enhances customer engagement, which can also provide a revenue stream for the utility provider (if the consumer pays for the app). The consumer access device preferably further comprises a display.

[0011] This aspect of the invention provides a Consumer Access Device (CAD) that can interact with another CAD located at another premises, such as a friend or family member's residence. One possible interaction would be to play a game, such as a game involving reducing energy usage or becoming smarter. Another possible interaction would allow someone to monitor the energy usage of another household, such as a vulnerable person living alone, via their CAD. This could provide early warning of problems at the vulnerable person's premises.

[0012] To improve accountability, the consumer access device is preferably programmed to obtain confirmation from the consumer before accepting a request from the server. The CAD includes at least one pre-installed application, but may also be programmed to download new applications for the consumer access device. The CAD is preferably further programmed to pair with at least one user device to provide a user interface, allowing the CAD to have only basic I / O or UI capabilities to reduce costs. The CAD further comprises a third communication means, preferably comprising a short-range wireless transceiver such as a Bluetooth™ transceiver. The first communication means preferably comprises a ZigBee™ transceiver and the second communication means preferably comprises a WiFi™ transceiver. For increased flexibility, the CAD is preferably further configured to communicate with two or more smart utility meters to receive utility data representative of consumption of two or more utilities.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of linking at least two consumer access devices located at separate premises such that their respective consumers can interact via their consumer access devices, comprising the steps of: receiving an indication of an identity of another consumer from the first consumer access device or a first user device associated with the first consumer access device; Determining that another consumer has a second consumer access device; sending an invitation to a second consumer access device or a second user device associated with the second consumer access device, the invitation identifying a consumer associated with the first consumer access device; in response to a positive reply from the second consumer access device or a second user device associated with the second consumer access device, storing data identifying that the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device are linked, and communicating the linking data to the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device. A method is provided, comprising:

[0014] The indication of another consumer identification information may include at least one of an address, a customer number, a customer name, a zip code and street address, and a unique consumer access device identification.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of communicating data to both a first consumer access device according to the first aspect of the invention and a second consumer access device according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising: receiving, at a server, a request from a first consumer access device or a first user device associated with the first consumer access device to communicate data to the first consumer access device and to a second consumer access device; determining that the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device constitute a linked consumer access device; communicating data to a first consumer access device and to a second consumer access device; A method is provided, comprising:

[0016] The link data may include address data for a peer-to-peer link of the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device.

[0017] This method allows a two-player game to be provided between two separate CADs. Each player controls game play using a user device (or an interface built into the CAD), and the game is displayed on both CADs. The server is preferably programmed to communicate data to the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device, as well as data from a user device associated with the second consumer access device. For certain games, e.g., action games such as Pong, the server is preferably further programmed to periodically transmit the same data to the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device, allowing the CAD displays to be updated more or less simultaneously and show the same images, although in some circumstances it may be desired to show different images for winners, e.g., "You won" and "You lost" for losers.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of communication between a first consumer access device according to the first aspect of the present invention and a second consumer access device according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising: receiving, at a server, a request from a first consumer access device to communicate data to a second consumer access device; determining that the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device constitute a linked consumer access device; transmitting the data to a second consumer access device; A method is provided, comprising:

[0019] This aspect relates to CAD-to-CAD transmission and has particular application to protecting vulnerable consumers: if a first CAD detects an energy consumption pattern in the vulnerable consumer's home that is out of character, a caregiver, friend, or family member can be notified by an alarm signal sent to the respective CAD. Because the caregiver may not be at home, the server is preferably also programmed to transmit the data to at least one user device associated with the second consumer access device.

[0020] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of sharing energy usage data between at least a first consumer access device according to the first aspect of the present invention and a second consumer access device according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising: receiving energy usage data from a first consumer access device; transmitting the energy usage data to a second consumer access device; A method is provided, comprising:

[0021] The transmission of energy usage data may occur over a peer-to-peer connection to reduce the load on the server. Transmission of energy usage data may occur via a server for increased visibility and control of the data sharing process. In either case, the energy usage data from the first consumer access device is preferably abstracted prior to transmission to the second consumer access device. This abstraction reduces the precision or granularity of the data and improves the security of the consumer's data.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a consumer access device for a smart energy system comprising: A processor; a first memory for storing a plurality of applications; a second memory for secure storage of consumer utility usage; and a first communication means for receiving secure data representative of utility usage; second communication means for communicating with at least one server to download at least new applications for the consumer access device; Equipped with The processor is programmed to store secure data representative of the utility usage in the second memory via the first communication means; The processor is also programmed to download a plurality of applications to the first memory and execute the applications stored in the first memory; The processor is further programmed to provide the secure data to the application in response to a request for the secure data from the application. A consumer access device is provided.

[0023] Providing a secure consumer access device that can download, store and run applications that can utilize energy consumption data opens up many possibilities, such as allowing third parties to develop applications. Third party applications can focus on presenting usage data in an easily understandable format that can be customized by the consumer. Games can also be developed to encourage reduced and / or smarter energy usage, and alarms can be provided to alert consumers to certain events. Such events can be appliances that fail, lights left on during the day, or a television left on in an unoccupied room. Such events can also be power usage that exceeds a threshold and / or exceeds a predetermined period of time. The alarm preferably includes at least an audible alarm.

[0024] The consumer access device may include a display, but is preferably programmed to pair with a user device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, to provide more advanced UI options to the consumer. The interface to the user device is preferably configured only to carry secure data in encrypted form. This allows the CAD to be provided at a moderate cost (as there is no need to provide advanced UI options) and without compromising the security of sensitive consumer data. The CAD may be further configured to abstract the secure data representing energy usage before providing it to the user device. Data abstraction may be performed over a period of time and / or with respect to the magnitude of usage.

[0025] A CAD can preferably be paired with more than one user device, and consumers can preferably limit the number of such devices. User devices may also be paired in a hierarchy such that different devices are permitted different levels of access to and / or control of the CAD. For example, a single user device may be able to direct the download / update and removal of applications, while other user devices may control which application(s) are run and play games. The first user device paired with a CAD may be such a master or administrator device.

[0026] The consumer access device preferably also includes a short-range wireless transceiver, such as a Bluetooth™ transceiver, as a third communication means to enable the CAD to be securely paired with one or more such user devices.

[0027] In one embodiment, the processor is programmed to provide data to an application by storing the data in a portion of a first memory specific to the application, thereby preventing other applications from obtaining more data than they have been given access to. The processor may alternatively (or additionally) be programmed to provide secure data to the application using a public / private key pair.

[0028] The first communication means preferably comprises a ZigBee™ transceiver, thereby providing secure communication between the smart meter and the CAD. The second communication means preferably comprises a WiFi™ transceiver, which provides low cost access to the Internet, but may also be replaced or augmented by a mobile data link as well. The consumer access device preferably also comprises a fourth communication means for communicating with electrical appliances in the premises. The fourth communication means may comprise a machine-to-machine (M2M) transceiver and / or a power line transceiver. The CAD is preferably programmed to receive consumption data for more than one utility, for example the CAD may be programmed to receive data from two smart utility meters.

[0029] The CAD may be programmed to run multiple applications in succession. The successive applications may be launched after a predefined time (which may vary between applications) or in response to user input. This allows the consumer to switch to applications of interest without waiting and the consumer may choose which one. Alternatively, the CAD may be programmed to run some or all of the applications in an order selected by the consumer. Some applications ("background applications") may be configured to run in succession until the consumer requests the execution of a particular application ("foreground application"), such as a game. The user may also customize their experience within the application by selecting one display ("card") and further selecting the particular information displayed on the card.

[0030] The CAD is preferably programmed to inform the consumer of the data that will be shared with a particular application prior to download to ensure that consumer privacy obligations are not violated. For a particular application, the consumer may select the extent to which data is shared, or even customize the precision of the data shared. If the consumer limits data sharing to data with lower precision, this may affect the quality or responsiveness of the application. The provider of the application may specify a minimum level of data precision.

[0031] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a home area network comprising at least one smart meter, a consumer access device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention and a user device, wherein the at least one smart meter is configured to transmit data representative of utility usage to the consumer access device in encrypted format, and wherein the consumer access device and the user device are configured to interact via a server.

[0032] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a consumer access device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention comprising the steps of: transmitting, by a processor under control of one of the plurality of applications, a request for secure data representative of utility usage stored in a second memory; receiving a request for secure data by a processor under control of secure software; a processor under control of the secure software validating the request to ensure that one of the plurality of applications is authorized to receive the requested secure data; a processor under control of the secure software sending the requested secure data to one of a plurality of applications; A method is provided, comprising:

[0033] The step of transmitting the requested secure data preferably includes storing the secure data in a container in the first memory, the container being specific to one of the multiple applications. The method preferably further includes abstracting the secure data representative of the utility usage before transmitting the data to one of the plurality of applications. By configuring the processor to have two separate roles (ie, application execution and secure data management), confidentiality of user consumed data is maintained.

[0034] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of pairing a consumer access device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention with a user device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, comprising the steps of: sending a message from the user device to a server requesting that the user device be paired with a consumer access device; receiving, at the user device, a reply from the server indicating user activation of the consumer access device; a consumer access device sending at least one message to a user device; A user device sending at least one message to a consumer access device; receiving at least one message from a consumer access device at a user device; receiving at least one message from a user device at a consumer access device; storing, at the consumer access device, the pairing information received from the user device; storing, at the user device, pairing information from the consumer access device; A method is provided, comprising:

[0035] By pairing the consumer access device with a user device, the consumer may use an advanced user interface provided, for example, on a smartphone, to control the CAD, which allows the CAD to be a simpler device and can provide cost savings compared to a CAD with a full interface (e.g., a touch screen).

[0036] The method for pairing can alternatively be receiving, at a server, a message from a user device requesting that the user device be paired with an identified consumer access device; Verifying at the server that the user device is associated with the same consumer as the consumer access device; storing, at the server, pairing information for the user device and the identified consumer access device; may include:

[0037] This variant of the method has the advantage that it requires less sophisticated hardware in the consumer access device. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of downloading an application to a consumer access device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, comprising the steps of: requesting an application to be downloaded by a message from the user device to a server; receiving application software from a server at a consumer access device; Installing application software on a consumer access device; receiving, at the user device, a confirmation of installation; A method is provided, comprising:

[0038] By controlling the download of CAD applications from user devices, the CAD need only have a basic user interface (UI), reducing cost and complexity. The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of a smart energy system or home area network according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a consumer access device (CAD) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram illustrating how a CAD is paired with a user device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates the steps of downloading a third party application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 illustrates execution steps of a third-party application downloaded to a CAD. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows three homes each having a home area network. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates a step of identifying another consumer who has a CAD. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates steps for running an application interacting on two separate CADs. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 illustrates steps of CAD-to-CAD communication between linked CADs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a block schematic diagram of a home area network (HAN) 100 including a consumer access device (CAD). A home 102 receives power from a grid 104 via a smart meter 106. The smart meter provides at least consumption data frequently and may optionally have other functions such as knowledge of tariff information. The smart meter transmits the consumption data to an electricity supplier 108, for example via a data communications company (DCC) infrastructure. Typically, this data is transmitted at night and includes utility usage data for every 30 minutes during the day. This data is used by the supplier to at least bill the consumer for usage. The smart meter also provides data more frequently, for example every 10 seconds via ZigBee™, to a consumer access device (CAD) 110. This frequently provided data is referred to throughout this specification as "10 second data", regardless of the exact frequency with which it is transmitted. ZigBee™ is a secure short-range (approximately 100 meters) wireless protocol used by smart meters, further details are available at https: / / zigbeealliance.org / solution / zigbee / . The CAD in this embodiment is equipped with two further wireless interfaces: Bluetooth and WiFi.

[0041] The Bluetooth interface is used to pair the CAD with a consumer user device 112, such as a smartphone or tablet, as described further below. The WiFi interface is used to provide the CAD with Internet access via a WiFi router 114 (although cellular data may additionally or alternatively be used). This allows the CAD to obtain tariff data from a supplier server via the Internet 116, download applications, and interface with the consumer's device via the supplier server 118. The consumer's user device 112 may, of course, access the Internet and supplier servers via WiFi and / or via a cellular radio system 120. As an alternative to a smartphone or tablet, the consumer may interface with the CAD via a laptop or other device. References herein to the use of applications on a smartphone or user device also encompass the use of a laptop or similar device via a web interface.

[0042] The CAD may be provided with an advanced user interface (UI), such as a touch screen, meaning that a user device 112 is not required. However, it is preferable to leverage the UI of the user device 112 to reduce the cost of the CAD. In a preferred embodiment, the CAD includes only a 24x12 pixel display and an activation button. In another preferred embodiment, the CAD has no display or alarms and uses the user interface (UI) of one or more user devices to interact with the consumer.

[0043] The CAD may be provided to communicate with appliances (not shown) in the home to manage when certain tasks are performed, for example, the operation of a dishwasher or the charging of an electric vehicle may be timed according to the availability of the most favorable tariff.

[0044] In this example, the CAD is illustrated interfacing with an electric power supply, but it will be understood that this could alternatively or additionally relate to other metered utilities such as gas. The CAD could also interface with other utilities such as heat-as-a-service where several houses receive heat from a communal heat pump array. Such utilities typically measure the flow rate and / or temperature of the fluid provided to each house and provide one or both of these parameters to the CAD for processing as required.

[0045] In this example, the utility consumption data is provided by a smart meter, but this can also be provided by other means, such as a CT clamp. Such a device encircles one of the mains supply cables and typically provides a current reading every 30 seconds.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of a CAD 200 suitable for use in the smart energy system shown in FIG. 1. The processor 202 comprises a system-on-chip (SoC) including memory and one or more processors available from several semiconductor manufacturers. For communication, the processor interfaces with a ZigBee™ transceiver 204, a WiFi transceiver 206 and a Bluetooth™ transceiver 208. Each of these transceivers is shown as having its own antenna for clarity, but the transceivers may share antennas to save cost and space. Certain manufacturers also offer WiFi and Bluetooth™ transceivers on a single chip. To interact with the consumer, the CAD also comprises a display 210 and an activation button 212. In this example, the display is a 12×24 LED matrix, but other displays are equally suitable. The display shows images known as “cards”. In some embodiments, the display is optional, as the user device can be used to display information to the consumer. Additionally, the CAD may comprise a voice-activated interface (not shown). A 5 volt power supply 214 is provided via a USB socket which may optionally have a battery back-up. If the CAD is provided with a power line transceiver (not shown), the power supply can also transmit and receive data via the premises' power cables, for example to and from appliances within the premises. A secure memory 220 is provided in either the SoC or a standalone entity, and an optional alarm 222, such as an audible alarm, is provided to alert the consumer.

[0047] The diagram also shows, within the dotted lines, several applications 218 stored in the memory of the processor 202. These applications are managed and executed by Docker™ 216, which allows different software (placed in “containers”) to run separately within the processor while sharing kernel functions. An important point to note is that data can be provided to a specific application by placing it in the specific application's container. Applications cannot access the contents of other applications' containers, protecting security. More information can be found at https: / / www.docker.com / . Docker™ saves computer resources compared to a virtual machine (VM) architecture, but a VM architecture can be used as well. Downloading and removing applications is discussed in more detail below.

[0048] Each CAD has a MAC address, an installation code, a serial number, and a security certificate (for ZigBee™ communications), all of which are unique to the device and are typically stored in secure memory 220 .

[0049] The processor 202 has at least two roles: first, a secure role where consumer consumption or usage data is received via ZigBee™ transceiver 204 and stored in secure memory 220, and second, an application execution role where it runs applications 218 (in cooperation with Docker™ 216).

[0050] The CAD preferably has a sleep mode that is exited when the wake-up button 212 is pressed. Alternatively, the CAD may be constantly running, in which case the wake-up button may be omitted. The wake-up button may also be used by the consumer to command the processor to switch to run a desired application, or to command a user device to pair, as discussed further below.

[0051] Once launched, the CAD's processor runs applications according to policies set by the supplier, which may be customized by the consumer. In the simplest example, applications are run in sequence, with each application given enough time to display any output to the consumer before the display is blanked and another application is given access to the processor and display. Alternatively, applications may be run in priority order and / or provided with an override feature whereby applications with critical information to display are given exclusive access to the processor. Several "background" applications may be configured to run continuously until overridden by a "foreground" application, such as a game. To some extent, any policies may be inhibited by the arrival of 10-second data from the smart meter.

[0052] The displays generated by an application are known as cards. The consumer controls (e.g., via a user interface on a paired user device) which cards are displayed by each application and what data is used to generate those cards. For example, a consumer has the following three applications installed on his or her CAD device: 10 second data Electric vehicle battery status weather forecast

[0053] The 10s Data application displays "live" energy consumption and includes several different cards that use different graphical displays. The user selects one of these cards and configures the 10s application to display for at least 20 seconds.

[0054] The charge / discharge status of the car battery does not change very frequently, so the user configures the car battery status application to run every minute and display the battery status for 10 seconds.

[0055] The weather forecast changes less frequently but requires more attention from the consumer. In this case, the consumer configures the weather application to display for 30 seconds every two minutes. The exact scheduling may have to vary slightly to accommodate consumer demand. Apps may be installed or removed as described further below.

[0056] Preferably, the CAD is pre-programmed with at least one application, such as the Snake game. The consumer may control the game using controls on the CAD (not shown), such as buttons or a touch screen. However, preferably, the user interface is provided using a separate device, such as a smartphone, that contains the CAD application and is paired with the CAD. Further CAD functionality is described with reference to the flow diagrams below.

[0057] Although a CAD is described having a display 210 and an alarm 222, these elements may be omitted and the user interface may be provided on a paired user device (112, FIG. 1), as described further below.

[0058] The CAD may be provided with interfaces to allow for hardware upgrades such as additional sensors and user interface features. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with such configurations.

[0059] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram 300 illustrating steps for pairing a CAD with a user device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC. The user device provides an advanced UI for the consumer in the home area network while keeping the cost of the CAD itself low. Once the CAD and user device are paired, the CAD maintains control of sensitive consumer data and generally uses the user device only as a simple input / output device, or at least limits the granularity of data provided to the user device.

[0060] The diagram shows four participants in the process: a user device 302 , a CAD 304 , an app store 306 , and a utility company server 308 , as well as an optional further user device 310 .

[0061] In step 312, the user device 302, in response to the request by the consumer, sends a request to the app store 306 to download the utility company CAD application. The app store is an existing entity that provides applications to user devices and can be accessed and searched in a known manner. In step 314, the app store locates the relevant application and in step 316 sends the application to the user device, which in step 318 installs the application. Some steps known to those skilled in the art have been omitted from this application download and installation process for clarity.

[0062] Once the application is installed on the user device 302, the user device contacts the supplier server 308 to link the user device with the correct utility company consumer account in step 320. The server verifies the details in step 324 and links the user device with the consumer's account and sends a confirmation message back to the user device in step 326.

[0063] The user device 302 is now ready to pair with the CAD 304. The consumer selects "Add a new CAD" from a menu in the user device application in step 328, which can be automatic (since there is no paired CAD visible to the application in the user device). The application then activates the Bluetooth™ functionality of the user device to establish a Bluetooth connection to the CAD. Again, steps have been omitted for clarity, e.g., the user device would typically need to ask the consumer if the utility company application may access the Bluetooth™ functionality of the user device. In step 330, the application instructs the consumer via the screen of the user device to press the "Pair" button on the CAD. This may be done, for example, by holding the activation button for a predetermined period of time, such as 15 seconds. This eliminates the need for a separate "Pair" button on the CAD and ensures that the consumer does not accidentally initiate CAD / user device pairing in normal use.

[0064] Once the consumer commands the CAD to enter a pairing routine in step 332, the CAD and user device pair in step 334 according to normal Bluetooth™ protocols (not shown). Once the CAD and user device are paired, the CAD then transmits identification and / or configuration data, such as its MAC address, serial number, and installation code, via Bluetooth in step 336. Optionally, an application on the user device may display these details to the consumer, allowing the consumer to verify them against a label on the CAD 304. The use of a short-range wireless connection such as Bluetooth™ ensures that the correct user device is paired with the CAD in this process.

[0065] The CAD needs to be connected to a WiFi, so in step 338 the user device requests and receives WiFi credentials from the consumer, which are provided to the CAD in step 340. The CAD then connects to a WiFi router (not shown) in step 342. The WiFi router and the communication between the WiFi router and the CAD are omitted for clarity. The CAD can similarly connect to the WiFi router using WPS (WiFi Protected Setup).

[0066] Now that the CAD is connected to the Internet, it sends a request 344 to the utility company server 308 including authentication information such as its MAC address, serial number, and security key. These authentication information uniquely identify the CAD to the server, which verifies and stores the details accordingly in step 346 and sends a confirmation message to the CAD in step 348. The CAD then disconnects the Bluetooth connection in step 350. To ensure that the WiFi is connected properly, the CAD needs to communicate with the server over the Internet before the Bluetooth™ connection is disconnected.

[0067] Additional user devices 310 may be set up similarly, the start of which is shown in steps 352 and 354. The paired user device may then have limited functionality, such as not being able to download applications to the CAD or change CAD settings.

[0068] Although Bluetooth™ based pairing has been described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques can be used to securely identify the user device, such as the CAD generating a one-time code and displaying it on the CAD for the consumer to enter into the user device. Another possible method is for the CAD to have a unique code printed on it during manufacture or delivery, and when the consumer enters this code, the server can uniquely identify the CAD and the user device to be paired. In these scenarios, the CAD does not require a Bluetooth transceiver.

[0069] 4 shows a flow diagram 400 illustrating the downloading and removal of applications to and from a CAD. A user device associated with the CAD interfaces with a utility company server to accomplish these ends; in other words, the instructions to download and remove applications come from a device different from the device that hosts the application (the CAD).

[0070] There are four participants in the process of downloading an application: a user device 402, such as a smartphone with a utility company CAD application installed, the consumer's CAD 404, the utility company server 406, and the CAD app store 408. Removal of the application from the CAD involves only the first three of these. The diagram does not include a step for recovering the cost of the CAD application, but this may be performed in a known manner. For example, the cost may be applied at the time of download or at the time the application is run. Revenue may be shared between the application provider and the energy company or CAD app store provider.

[0071] The process for downloading applications to the CAD begins with the user device sending an application menu request 410 to the server 406. The server, in step 412, checks the record of applications already installed on the CAD 404 and informs the consumer (not shown) via the user device 402 if there is insufficient memory in the CAD 404. If there are CADs of different capabilities or generations such that not all CADs can run all applications, the server also checks for suitable applications for the particular CAD 404 (although this could be done by the CAD app store as well). The server then requests the app menu from the CAD app store 408 in step 414. The request may indicate any restrictions on suitable applications as appropriate. The CAD app store responds with an appropriate menu of applications in step 416, which the server 406 transfers to the user device 402 in step 418.

[0072] The consumer can then review the available CAD applications on his / her device and select a CAD application to download, at step 420. This review can include considering how much secure consumption data is provided for the application and whether the cost (if any) of the application is acceptable. At step 422, the user device sends a download request to the server, which forwards the request to the CAD app store, at step 424. The CAD app store retrieves the relevant images, at step 426, and sends the images to the CAD 404, at step 428. The CAD then installs the application, at step 430, after optional confirmation from the consumer via the user device and server (not shown).

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the application and associated files are stored in a Docker™ container ready for execution by the CAD. Docker™ provides efficient use of processor and memory resources by sharing kernel resources between applications (or containers), although a virtual machine architecture may alternatively be used.

[0074] The CAD confirms to the server that the installation was successful in step 432, and the server updates the log of applications installed on the CAD 404 in step 434. The server also sends a confirmation message to the user device 402 in step 436 that the application was successfully installed on the CAD, which the CAD communicates to the consumer in step 438. Figure 5 below illustrates the execution of an application by the CAD.

[0075] CAD app stores are populated with in-house and third-party applications in a known manner, with particular attention paid by the utility company (or other administrator of the CAD app store) to security. As explained below, certain CAD applications receive sensitive consumer data during their execution, and care must be taken to ensure that this data cannot be obtained in an unauthorized manner.

[0076] FIG. 4 also illustrates a process for removing an application from the CAD. In step 450, the consumer reviews a list of installed CAD applications via a smart energy app on his / her user device 402. The steps illustrated assume that the user device maintains a local list of applications installed on the CAD. If there is no such list, the user device can request and receive a list (not shown) from the utility company server 406 (or possibly the CAD app store 408). The consumer uses the UI of the user device in step 452 to identify one of the CAD applications for removal from the CAD. The user device sends a removal request to the server 406 in step 454, and the server requests confirmation in step 456. The consumer confirms the removal in step 458, which is communicated to the server in step 460. The server then sends an application removal message to the CAD in step 462, and the CAD executes an application removal routine in step 464 to remove the application from memory, etc.

[0077] The CAD confirms the removal of the application to the server in step 466, which is relayed to the user device in step 468. In step 470, the user device confirms to the consumer that the application has been removed and updates a local list of installed CAD applications, if one is maintained.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, as with other flow diagrams described herein, various steps such as handshakes and security requirements such as secure token exchange and verification have been omitted for clarity.

[0079] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram 500 of the execution of an application by a CAD. There are five participants in this process: a smart meter 502, a secure CAD 504, an open CAD 506, a user device 508, and a utility company server 510. The references to secure CAD and open CAD are in fact to the same device, but split into a secure part that receives 10-second data from the smart meter (or CT clamp) and an open part that is programmed to download and execute third-party applications from a CAD app store as discussed with reference to FIG. 4. Thus, in FIG. 5, the CAD plays two separate roles. In the first role, called open CAD 506, the processor is under the control of one of the applications in a traditional way. In this role, the processor does not have access to the secure energy consumption data, but only to data as stored in the current application's Docker™ container. In the second role, called secure CAD 504, the processor is under the control of the secure software and operates to receive and store secure data from the smart meter as well as to respond to requests for data from the application.

[0080] In step 512, the smart meter transmits the 10 second data to the secure CAD, which means that the processor 202 in the CAD receives the secure data from the ZigBee™ transceiver 204 and stores it in secure memory. This step is repeated automatically every 10 seconds (or other frequent interval) and is not repeated in the figure.

[0081] In step 514, the consumer selects an application to run using the user device 508, and the user device sends this request to the server 510 in step 516. The application requested in this example is an application that requires energy consumption data in order to run. The server then informs Open CAD in step 518 that the consumer wishes to run the application, and Open CAD loads and runs the application in step 520.

[0082] The first function of an application running on Open CAD is to request consumption data from Secure CAD in step 522. The application typically includes security credentials in this request so that Secure CAD can verify that the application is authorized to obtain such information. This can be done using a public / private key pair, where the request from Open CAD is encrypted using the private key that Secure CAD can decrypt using the public key. Since energy companies may charge for the data, the application's security credentials can be stored to resolve non-payment disputes.

[0083] Assuming the application's credentials are valid, the secure CAD responds with the requested data in step 524. The data can be provided directly to the Docker™ container corresponding to the application, which should ensure that access to that data is restricted to only that application. (It will be appreciated that it is important that third-party software cannot "sniff" unauthorized data.)

[0084] Alternatively, the data is provided in encrypted form and an application running on OpenCAD decrypts and processes the data in step 526 and then displays the processed data to the consumer in step 528. The display of the data is accompanied by a question as to whether the consumer would like more information. In step 530, the consumer requests more information from the server 510 via his / her user device, and in step 532 the server forwards the request to OpenCAD.

[0085] This triggers a request for and response of new data in steps 534 and 536 similar to steps 522 and 524 described above. The new data is then decrypted and processed in step 538 before being displayed in step 540. The application terminates after no further consumer requests have been received for a predetermined time.

[0086] Although public / private key security is described in this embodiment, one skilled in the art will appreciate that other techniques can be used to transmit sensitive consumer data from the secure CAD to applications running on the open CAD.

[0087] While Figure 5 shows applications being executed in response to a consumer request, it will be appreciated that the CAD may execute applications automatically without intervention from the consumer. One option is for the CAD to execute each of the applications sequentially for a fixed period of time and then proceed to the next application. The fixed period of time may vary from application to application. See also the example given in the context of Figure 2.

[0088] Another option is for the CAD to run background applications continuously and then run other applications, such as games, only in response to consumer requests. One type of background application includes an alert application that monitors consumption data and compares it to historical data and / or predefined parameter limits. Uncharacteristic or excessive consumption then triggers an alert. For example, a background application can monitor overall power consumption and compare it to different limits at different times of day. An alert can be triggered if consumption exceeds 1 kW before 6am or after 11pm. Artificial intelligence (AI) can also be applied to learn the household's consumption patterns over a day, week, and year and trigger an alert if the actual consumption deviates significantly from those learned patterns. Perhaps the consumer has purchased an electric vehicle and the alert is triggered by charging the vehicle. The consumer can then disable the alert and the AI ​​learns that this new behavior pattern is acceptable.

[0089] 6 shows several homes 600 each having a CAD generally as described above. Three homes 602, 604, 606 each receive power from a power network 608. Each home also has a respective CAD 610, 612, 614, all connected to a supplier server 618 via the Internet 616 and receiving 10-second data. This configuration allows consumers residing in the three homes to link their respective CADs so that the consumers can send messages to each other and compete over energy usage or through games.

[0090] The CADs 610, 612 and 614 differ from the previously described CADs in two ways: First, they are programmed to initiate and respond to link requests between CADs. Second, these CADs do not necessarily allow applications to be downloaded, although this functionality may be included if desired.

[0091] The supplier server hosts or has access to a database 620 of all consumers served by that supplier. The database stores details of which consumers' CADs are linked. The linking process is described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0092] 7 is a flow diagram showing an example of how CAD linking is performed. Assume a consumer at a house 602 wishes to link his CAD 610 to the CAD 612 at a friend's house 604. There are four participants in the process: the CAD 610, the utility supplier server 618, the database 620, and the CAD 612.

[0093] The process begins at step 702 by identifying a friend's CAD 612. The consumer at the home 602 provides the friend's identity to the CAD 610. This can be done in a variety of ways, for example, a unique CAD ID, the address of the friend's residence 604, a unique ID of a smart meter installed at the residence 604, or the name of the consumer at the home 604. At step 704, the CAD 610 sends a link request signal to the server 618, which identifies the CAD 612.

[0094] The server then checks database 620 to determine whether the consumers at home 602 and home 604 have been properly identified (i.e., they exist in the database) and are in good standing (i.e., have no outstanding debts to the utility supplier). In step 706, server 618 queries the database for the two consumers, and in step 708 the database responds with "yes," in this case that the two consumers exist and are in good standing. Optionally, the database may also determine whether the two consumers are already linked and inform server 618 in step 710. If the CADs of the two consumers are already linked, the server informs the consumers in step 712 and the process ends.

[0095] Assuming the two CADs are not already linked, server 618 sends an invitation 714 to CAD 612, which includes sufficient data about the consumer at home 602 to enable the consumer at home 604 to identify the person making the request, such as his or her name, address, etc. The invitation is communicated to the consumer at home 604 in step 716. If the consumer at home 604 does not want to link his or her CAD 612 to CAD 610, CAD 612 sends a decline message 718 to the utility server, which in turn sends a decline message 720 to CAD 610. CAD 610 communicates this notice to the consumer at home 602 in step 722, and the process ends.

[0096] Assuming that the consumer at home 604 wishes to link his or her CAD to CAD 610, CAD 612 sends an acceptance response 724 to the server 618. The server informs the database 620 to mark the records of the two consumers as linked, in step 726, and the database confirms that this has been done, in step 728. The server then sends a message 730 to CAD 610 confirming that CAD 610 is now linked to CAD 612, which CAD 610 communicates to the consumer, in step 732. The server also sends a message 734 to CAD 612 confirming that CAD 612 is now linked to CAD 610, which is communicated to the consumer in step 736.

[0097] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of these steps may be omitted, for example, CAD 612 may infer that it is now linked to CAD 610 once the acceptance message 724 has been sent. Possible further messages, handshaking, reminders in case of no reply, etc. will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the server may inform each of the two CADs which applications are installed on the other CAD, or may confirm to one CAD that a particular application is installed on the other CAD (subject to relevant consent from the consumer(s)). The server 618 and / or database 620 may or may not be shared with other utility provider functions, such as customer billing.

[0098] The process can be extended to link CADs 614 (FIG. 6) within the premises 606, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that groups of CADs (i.e., three or more) can also be linked so that multiple consumers can participate in the game via their respective CADs.

[0099] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of how a game can be played on a linked CAD as described above. While many two (or more) player games provide suitable applications on the CAD, the game is preferably related to energy consumption, such that family and friends actually compete to use less utility or improve utility consumption (such as shifting consumption in time to coincide with a lower tariff(s)). The utility company server can be configured to maintain confidentiality of consumer data by providing the other party's CAD with only a summary of the other consumer's energy consumption, or an indication of whether they have won, which can simply be a win / lose indication.

[0100] The CAD is preferably pre-programmed with a multiplayer game such as Pong to encourage consumers to link their CAD with those of family and friends. Applications, such as those developed by third parties, may also be downloaded to the CAD if that facility is provided. The process of Figure 4 is applied.

[0101] 8 shows five participants for providing a game (Pong in this example): a first user device 802, a first CAD 804, a utility company server 806, a second CAD 808, and a second user device 810. The first user device is associated with the first CAD and the second user device is associated with the second CAD.

[0102] The process begins with a first consumer requesting a game with a second consumer by using his application to send a request to the server (that in some way identifies the CAD 808 and the proposed game). In step 814, the server verifies the identity of the second CAD 808 and verifies that the first and second CADs are linked as described above. Assuming the CADs are linked, the server sends a request to the application on the second user device in step 816 to play a game with the consumer associated with the first CAD. The user device 810 poses a question to the consumer in step 818, and assuming the response in step 820 is positive, the server sets up the game in step 822. The game setup includes messages to each CAD and each user device. In response, the two user devices display the necessary controls (up / down buttons to control the paddles) in steps 824 and 830, and the CAD displays the game (including the ball and two paddles) and the scores in steps 826 and 828. From this point on, the server sends the same instructions to each CAD so that the two consumers see exactly the same gameplay.

[0103] The server sends an update signal in step 832 as the ball moves on the displays of the two CADs. As the ball is moving towards the side of the court being defended by the first consumer, the consumer presses the up button on the user device, which is communicated to the server in step 834. As a result, the server sends an update signal in step 836 to both CADs indicating that the first consumer's paddle has moved up. This update signal typically also updates the position of the ball.

[0104] The game continues with periodic updates from the server instructing the CAD regarding the position of the ball (and the paddle, if it is moving) (dotted line in the figure). The server also responds to paddle control messages from the first device and the second device. Assuming that the first consumer hits the ball successfully with the paddle, the ball will head towards the side of the court defended by the second consumer. The second user device then requests a paddle down movement in step 840, which is reflected in the next update 842 provided by the server. These steps are repeated until one player misses the ball. Assuming that the second player misses the ball, the server instructs the first CAD to display "You win" in step 844 and the second CAD to display "You lose" in step 846. Optionally, the server may also instruct the first user device and the second user device to display a message to the respective player in steps 848 and 850. The server then instructs each CAD to update its score in step 852 and start another point in step 854 .

[0105] The game ends when one of the players reaches a predetermined target score, step 856. As will be appreciated, the player may be provided with various options (not shown) to play another game, enter a high score table, or quit.

[0106] For ease of explanation, the two-person game described with reference to FIG. 8 does not refer to energy consumption data. To provide a game or other application that refers to such data, the CADs can be further configured to perform the secure data transmission process described with reference to FIG. 5. To ensure that no sensitive data from the first CAD is transmitted to the second CAD (and vice versa), the server can serve to hide or at least abstract such data. It will be appreciated that for two homes to play an energy consumption-based game, each of the homes will necessarily know something about the other's energy usage. At the lowest (and most secure) level, this can be as simple as knowing that the other premises has used more energy than your premises over a given period (such as 24 hours).

[0107] However, to provide a better degree of interaction between players, each CAD needs to obtain some information that conveys a greater granularity of the energy consumption at the other site. In this case, either the originating CAD or the server may abstract the information to some extent, thus preserving confidentiality of the data. Alternatively or additionally, the server may provide a reconciliation between the data from each site, such that no raw data from either CAD is conveyed to the other CAD.

[0108] One abstraction technique that may be applied is to reduce the temporal granularity of the data, i.e., aggregating usage data over a longer period of time. Ten-second data from a smart meter may be analyzed to infer a great deal of information about a household, even down to the extent of which appliances are on at which time. By reducing the temporal granularity of the data, for example to one or five minutes, such inferences become much less accurate. The granularity of the data may alternatively or additionally be reduced with respect to energy by using ranges. For example, instead of reporting a household's consumption as 4.7kW, it may be reported as 3kW-6kW. The table below illustrates the reduction in granularity of 10-second data in both time and precision. [Table 1]

[0109] By averaging power consumption over 30 seconds, the granularity of the data is reduced in time. Then, by putting those averages into separate "bins," the granularity of the data is reduced in quantity. The length of time over which the averages are taken and the size of the "bins" can be adjusted to balance gameplay requirements with consumer sensitivity to sharing information.

[0110] This abstraction process is applicable to data that the server may receive directly from smart meters on the premises, as well as data communicated to the server via a CAD.

[0111] The consumer may be required to consent to providing consumption information in order to download and participate in the game. The energy supplier or manufacturer of the CAD may offer the consumer several options to simplify this process. For example, providing accurate data at frequent time intervals corresponds to a low security option, while identifying consumption by broad "bins" and only infrequent times corresponds to a high security option. The application developer can then decide how frequent and accurate the information needs to be for its needs.

[0112] Such data may be used in a live comparison dashboard shown to competing consumers that may turn green when they are winning (i.e., using less energy than their friends) and red when they are losing. Such comparisons may be made over a period of a day, a week or more, and charts may be provided to allow historical performance comparisons. This type of "game" does not require any interaction from the consumer (other than starting the application and possibly selecting a particular card or cards to view). Thus, an interactive application between two or more CADs may also be a "background" application.

[0113] For more serious applications, a friend or family member may link their CAD to the CAD of a vulnerable consumer, such as an elderly consumer. An application is then provided on the vulnerable consumer's CAD that alerts the friend's or family member's CAD to any potentially problematic situations. These may include excessive energy consumption, such as a continuous supply of gas (perhaps indicating a gas stove has been left on), or insufficient energy consumption (perhaps indicating the vulnerable person is unable to move to operate an appliance). Of course, more sophisticated policies could also be implemented, perhaps using artificial intelligence to learn the behavior of the vulnerable consumer.

[0114] 9 shows a flow diagram 900 of one example of such a process. In the diagram, there are four participants: a first CAD 902 (e.g., located at the vulnerable consumer's home), a utility company server 904, a second CAD 906 (e.g., located at the vulnerable consumer's relative's home), and a user device 908 associated with the second CAD.

[0115] The first CAD 902 is loaded with an application that identifies utility consumption behavior that is different from the normal characteristics. This can be based on energy consumption in the home exceeding a predetermined limit, a machine learning algorithm configured to compare current energy usage with past behavior, or a combination of the two. In step 910, the first CAD executes the application and determines that the current behavior is different from the normal characteristics of the consumer. In step 912, the first CAD transmits an alarm signal to the server 904, which forwards it to the second CAD in step 914. In response, the second CAD provides an alarm (visual and / or audible) in step 916. This gives the second consumer an opportunity to check on the vulnerable consumer. The transmission step 914 may be repeated for other CADs, such as CADs associated with other family members of the vulnerable person.

[0116] 9 also shows an optional step 918 in which the server also sends an alert signal to the user device(s) associated with the second CAD, which sounds an alarm in step 910. This gives consumers associated with the second CAD an opportunity to be alerted about vulnerable consumers even if they are not at home.

[0117] In a variation of this embodiment, the server may be further programmed to evaluate the consumption data of consumers identified as vulnerable and, in response to patterns that deviate from normal characteristics, send an alert message to one or more designated computer-aided devices and user devices. Vulnerable consumers may also have the option to clear the alert status of their computer-aided devices so as not to worry friends and family unnecessarily.

[0118] Figures 8 and 9 illustrate communication between CADs via a server. This provides great control of the process from the utility company's perspective, but implies significant computational and communication overhead. Alternatively, the CADs may be linked via a peer-to-peer architecture managed by the server. Time- or activity-limited connections between the CADs are set up based on instructions from the server and updated as needed. The server may maintain monitoring as required. If data is shared, the originating CAD or CADs must perform any necessary abstraction of the transmitted data.

Claims

1. A consumer access device for a smart energy system, comprising: A processor; a first memory for storing at least one application; a second memory for secure storage of data representative of utility usage; a first communication means for receiving secure data representative of utility usage; second communication means for communicating with at least one server; Equipped with the processor is programmed to store in the second memory secure data representative of utility usage received via the first communication means; The processor is also programmed to execute at least one application stored in the first memory; the processor is further programmed to request that the server establish a link with another consumer access device; the processor is further programmed to, in response to a request from a server, establish a link with at least one additional consumer access device to accept the request. Consumer Access Devices.

2. The consumer access device of claim 1 further comprising a display.

3. 3. The consumer access device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processor is further programmed to obtain confirmation from a consumer before accepting the request from the server.

4. The consumer access device of claim 1 , 2 or 3 , wherein the processor is further programmed to download an application to the first memory.

5. The consumer access device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further programmed to pair with at least one user device to provide a user interface.

6. 6. A consumer access device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a third communication means comprising a short-range radio transceiver.

7. 7. The consumer access device of claim 6, wherein the third communication means comprises a Bluetooth™ transceiver.

8. 8. A consumer access device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first communication means comprises a ZigBee™ transceiver.

9. 9. A consumer access device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second communication means comprises a WiFi™ transceiver.

10. 10. The consumer access device of claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to receive utility data representative of consumption of two or more utilities.

11. 1. A method of linking at least two consumer access devices located at separate premises such that consumers of each of said consumer access devices can interact via said consumer's consumer access device, comprising: receiving an indication of an identity of another consumer from the first consumer access device or a first user device associated with the first consumer access device; Verifying that the other consumer has a second consumer access device; sending an invitation to the second consumer access device or to a second user device associated with the second consumer access device, the invitation identifying the consumer associated with the first consumer access device; in response to a positive reply from the second consumer access device or the second user device associated with the second consumer access device, storing data identifying that the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device are linked, and communicating link data to the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device. A method comprising:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the link data communicated to the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device includes address data for a peer-to-peer connection between the first consumer device and the second consumer device.

13. 13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the indication of the identity of the other consumer includes at least one of an address, a customer number, a customer name, a zip code and street address, and a unique consumer access device identification.

14. A method of communicating data to both a first consumer access device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a second consumer access device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: receiving, at a server, a request from a first consumer access device or a first user device associated with the first consumer access device to communicate data to the first consumer access device and to the second consumer access device; verifying that the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device constitute linked consumer access devices; communicating said data to said first consumer access device and to said second consumer access device; A method comprising:

15. receiving, at the server, a request from a second consumer access device or a second user device associated with the second consumer access device to communicate data to the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device; communicating said data to said first consumer access device and to said second consumer access device; The method of claim 14 further comprising:

16. The method of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the server is further programmed to periodically transmit the same data to the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device.

17. A method of communication between a first consumer access device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a second consumer access device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: receiving, at a server, a request from the first consumer access device to communicate data to the second consumer access device; verifying that the first consumer access device and the second consumer access device constitute linked consumer access devices; transmitting said data to said second consumer access device; A method comprising:

18. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the data communicated to the second consumer device is alert data responsive to energy consumption that is out of character with normal energy consumption detected by the first consumer access device.

19. transmitting said data to at least one user device associated with said second consumer access device; 19. The method of claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising:

20. 11. A method of sharing energy usage data between at least a first consumer access device according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a second consumer access device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising: receiving energy usage data from the first consumer access device; transmitting energy usage data to the second consumer access device; A method comprising:

21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the transmission of energy usage data occurs over a peer-to-peer connection.

22. The method of claim 20 , wherein the transmission of energy usage data occurs via a server.

23. 23. The method of sharing energy usage data of claim 20, further comprising abstracting the energy usage data from the first consumer access device before transmitting the energy usage data to the second consumer access device.

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