Metering, communication and control technology, namely, hardware, software and communication devices that enable utilities and energy providers to gather utility, electricity, natural gas usage data to support time-based rates and enable consumers and businesses to make choices about utility, power, and energy usage in response to market and price signals, as well as system conditions; metering, communication and control technology, namely, hardware, software and communication devices that provide alerts of utility, power outages and power restoration; metering, communication and control technology, namely, hardware, software and communication devices that provide consumers and businesses with access to their usage data and provide remote disconnection and reconnection of utility services; software and hardware platform for connectivity to and management of in-home devices such as thermostats, water heaters, pool heaters, directly or via in-home gateway(s) so that use of those devices can be altered as conditions warrant; communication hardware and software for use in the utility, power, energy and water industries; utility, solid-state electricity meters and natural gas meters, utility telemetry devices; data collection computer and communication network systems comprised of computer hardware, computer operating software and computer software for data collection applications, namely, automated meter reading, distribution automation, two-way communications between networks and utility meters, and demand side management applications via the Internet, Intranet, Extranets, radio frequency networks, wireless networks, telephone lines, and integrated communications networks, namely, public switched telephone networks, virtual private networks, private networks, public networks, and cellular networks, all for use in the utility, power, and energy industries; meter interface units comprised of digital, mechanical and optical sensors, encoders and transmitters; inbound, outbound, two-way communication systems, namely, computer hardware, computer operating software and computer software for data collection and remote programming applications, namely, two-way automated meter reading, distribution automation, remote communications between networks and between and among utility meters, and demand side management applications via the Internet, Intranet, Extranets, radio frequency networks, wireless networks, telephone lines, and integrated communications networks, namely, public switched telephone networks, IP-based public networks, virtual private networks, private networks, broadband over powerline networks, public networks and cellular networks for energy data, and other utility meter monitoring points; telephone, cellular and radio transreceivers, intelligent communication adapters, and switchpoints for use in the utility, power and energy industries