Patent ID: 8875003

Claim:
A method for communicating sets of utility-based data over power distribution lines carrying alternating current, each set of utility-based data being indicative of a reading of utility usage, the method comprising: communicating, over the power distribution lines carrying alternating current, encoded first sets of the utility-based data respectively corresponding to readings of the utility usage taken at different times during a first time period; communicating, over the power distribution lines carrying alternating current, encoded second sets of the utility-based data respectively corresponding to readings of the utility usage taken at different times during a second time period, the second sets of the utility-based data being interleaved with portions of error correction code (ECC) data for the first sets of the utility-based data; prior to receiving the portions of ECC data, interpreting and providing access to the first sets of utility-based data; and subsequent to receiving the ECC data, using the ECC data to verify the first sets of utility-based data, and providing access to the verified first sets of utility-based data.