Modes of Operation

• In Prepaid Mode the PGC needs to be loaded with credit before gas is delivered. Debit Mode allows the consumer to use gas first, before having to load new credit. Fixed gas Dispenser mode delivers a pre-set daily or monthly allowance, without the option to load any credit. In Conventional Mode the PGC acts as an electronic gas meter, without any gas restriction, using AMR to upload meter readings for import into a billing system.
• The PGC features an frequency 433/865-867/915/923MHz bi-directional encrypted radio communications link, enabling remote meter interrogation, Automated Meter Configuration (AMC) for remote mass meter re-configuration, Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) for walk-by or drive-by data collection or fixed GSM based gateways. The user has the ability to pre-select only the required data fields to be uploaded from the meter. AMR data is uploaded in CSV format for easy integration to third party systems or Microsoft Excel. AMC allows for mass meter re-configuration without physically attending to each meter, using drive-by, walk-by or fixed network methods.

Customer Interface Unit (CIU)

The PGC 250 CIU is wall-mounted inside the consumer house, linking up with the PGC via radio secure communications link. The CIU indicates the credit remaining on the PGC and facilitates the entering 20 digit prepaid credit tokens. The CIU refreshes itself automatically every hour or on demand. A number of user commands are available on the CIU as a tool to manage credit and gas usage.

STS Compliant Vending The Standard Transfer Specification (STS) has become recognized as the only globally accepted open standard for prepayment system, ensuring interoperability between system components from different manufacturers of prepayment systems. The application of the technology is licensed through the STS Association, this ensuring that the appropriate encryption key management practices are applied to protect the security of the prepayment transactions of utilities operating STS systems.

The tried and tested STS prepayment specification, has over the years established itself as a preferred and renowned standard globally and is being used for gas prepayment, initially in South Africa and subsequently in many developed and emerging economies. To date, over 30-million STS-compliant meters have been installed at more than 400 utilities in 86 countries around the world, supported by over 200 STS Association members.

The PGC is approved by the STS Association to conform to the IEC 62055-41 and 62055-51 standards. The system allows for multiple vending options from any participating STS approved vending platform (same as prepaid electricity) available at local retailers, petrol stations, ATM’s, Internet or via SMS.