Prediction of an estimated remaining utility usage via meter and adjusting an alert threshold

Abstract

A method and system for predicting an estimated remaining utility usage and adjusting an alert threshold for a prepaid utility meter account includes receiving an indication of a time period of inaccessibility to replenish a prepaid utility meter account, predicting an alert trigger time when an estimated remaining utility usage for the prepaid utility meter account falls below an alert threshold, and determining that the time period of inaccessibility overlaps the predicted alert trigger time, and responsively adjusting the alert threshold such that the predicted alert trigger time occurs before the time period of inaccessibility. The method also includes receiving an indication of a business objective for a utility company and automatically adjusting the alert threshold associated with the prepaid utility meter account based on the business objective.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A utility system for automatically alerting a user associated with a prepaid utility service, the system comprising:
 an interface configured to receive an indication of a set of usage prediction events and a set of future events; and   a processing device configured to:   estimate a remaining time period of prepaid utility usage associated with the prepaid utility service, wherein the estimating is based on the set of usage prediction events;   determine an alert threshold based on the set of future events; and   initiate an automated alert to the user when the estimated remaining time period of prepaid utility usage falls below the determined alert threshold.   
     
     
         17 . The utility system of  claim 16 , wherein the set of usage prediction events comprises at least one of:
 a weather forecast;   a calendared event comprising an upcoming time period of absence of at least one occupant from a location serviced by the utility system;   a calendared event comprising an upcoming time period when at least one additional occupant is present at the location serviced by the utility system; or   a history of past utility usage for the location being serviced by the utility system.   
     
     
         18 . The utility system of  claim 16 , wherein the set of future events comprises at least one of:
 a calendared event comprising an upcoming time period of absence of at least one occupant from a location being serviced by the utility system;   an upcoming time period when facilities that sire used to replenish a prepaid utility meter account associated with the utility system are closed;   a business objective comprising a utility company, associated with the utility system, shifting revenue between a current accounting period and a next accounting period; or   a weather forecast.   
     
     
         19 . The utility system of  claim 16 , wherein the processing device is included in a prepaid utility meter used to regulate the prepaid utility service. 
     
     
         20 . The utility system of  claim 16 , wherein the processing device is included in a back-office of a utility company that provides the prepaid utility service.