An interactive system for managing and remotely monitoring and effecting
the connection status of a customer utility load network is disclosed.
Preferred embodiments of the interactive system are utilized for customer
loads that correspond to the distribution of electrical energy. The
interactive system is preferably provided through a web-based application
that offers a plurality of selectable services to a user. Security
information is preferably required for a user to gain access to the
system. Services provided may comprise a read service for providing
metered customer utility data, a usage and/or demand notification service
for alarming a user when utility usage and/or demand exceeds a defined
threshold amount, and/or a connection service for setting a utility load
as either connected or disconnected. A control system is preferably
provided in conjunction with the web-based application to interface the
application to other components involved in the interactive system. Such
a control system preferably comprises at least a system controller for
managing all nodes in the utility network and a database system for
storing meter data and other system-related information. A wireless
communications network is established for relaying information from the
system controller and web-based utility application to any utility meters
or other components linked to the system.