Multiple rate metering system

A multiple rate metering system suitable for use with an existing single rate, electromechanical electricity meter employing an Eddy current disc mounted in a casing, comprising:

• a first retrofit unit mountable inside the casing of the electricity meter;
• and a second unit, which is portable so that it can be brought into close proximity with said first unit by a meter reader;
• said first unit comprising a sensor for generating pulses in response to rotation of the Eddy current disc, a first microprocessor, a first read-only-memory for storing a program to control the operation of said first microprocessor, a random-access-memory, said first microprocessor being programmed to store data in said random-access-memory related to the pulses generated in different predetermined periods during which different electricity rates apply, and first coupling means for establishing non-contact communication through the casing with said second unit when said second unit is brought into close proximity with said first unit;
• said second unit comprising second coupling means cooperating with said first coupling means to transmit and receive data to and from said first unit, a second microprocessor, a second read-only-memory for storing a program controlling the operation of said second microprocessor, a storage medium for storing data from said second microprocessor, display means, first actuator means operable by the meter reader to transmit a signal through said first and second coupling means to instruct said first microprocessor to transfer data relating to the pulses generated in said different predetermined periods to said second unit, said second microprocessor being programmed to display said data in said display means, and second actuator means operable by the meter reader to accept said data and instruct said second microprocessor to store said data in said storage medium with appropriate customer identification for subsequent retrieval at a central location.