An apparatus and method for controlling user access to electrical
receptacles and telephone and network communications receptacles. The
device features a short range radio receiver and one or a plurality of RF
energized radio identification tags with transmittable identification
transponder codes. The receptacle contains circuitry that detects the
immediate presence of energized transponders with proper identification
codes and only enables the electric, telephone or network access from the
receptacle to become active if the correct matching transponder
identification code is present. The tag is a small flexible device having
one side that may be attached to the plug or the receptacle or interfaced
therebetween. Access to the power or network is allowed for a defined
duration of time or only so long as the transponder remains energized and
transmits the identification code.