Patent ID: 7043459

Claim:
A method for providing utility consumption data to a utility consumer over a network, the method comprising the steps of: receiving metering data and operational status information from a utility meter located at a remote facility operated by said utility customer, wherein said metering data is electronically and automatically transmitted over the network in substantially real time from said utility meter to a data processing system; calculating billing data using said metering data at said data processing system, wherein said calculating step calculates said billing data using: (a) generation costs, (b) transmission costs, and (c) distribution costs of said utility; storing said metering data and said billing data electronically at said data processing system; and reporting said metering data and said billing data electronically from said data processing system to said utility customer over the network, said reporting step including the steps of: providing a website on the network accessible by said utility customer; retrieving said metering data and said billing data from said database; and presenting said metering data and said billing data on said website; and allowing said consumer to affect electronic funds transfer via a payment system in accordance with said billing data.