Method and system for enablement and management of ad hoc electric energy consumption

An apparatus for providing electric energy in an ad hoc manner to a customer having an electrically-powered device, comprising:

• an electric connection unit configured to electrically connect to the electrically-powered device, the electric connection unit being in a default state in which electrical energy is not output from the electric connection unit;
• an input unit configured to receive input, by the customer, of a mode of payment;
• a control unit configured to control operation of the apparatus;
• and
• an output unit configured to provide a payment record to the customer when the customer has finished using the apparatus,
• wherein the control unit controls operation of the electric connection unit to thereby allow electric energy to flow from the electric connection unit to the electrically-powered device coupled thereto, when the control unit has determined that the mode of payment provided to the input unit is acceptable.

A system for providing electric energy in an ad hoc manner to a customer having an electrically-powered device, comprising:

• an apparatus that includes:
• an electric connection unit configured to electrically connect to the electrically-powered device, the electric connection unit being in a default state in which electrical energy is not output from the electric connection unit;
• an input unit configured to receive input, by the customer, of a mode of payment;
• a control unit configured to control operation of the apparatus;
• and
• an output unit configured to provide a payment record to the customer when the customer has finished using the apparatus,
• wherein the control unit controls operation of the electric connection unit to thereby allow electric energy to flow from the electric connection unit to the electrically-powered device coupled thereto, when the control unit has determined that the mode of payment provided to the input unit is acceptable;
• and
• at least one external system that is communicatively connected to the apparatus, and that performs a billing process for determining an amount of money to be billed the user, and that bills the user accordingly.