This works exactly like a prepaid mobile phone SIM card (prepaid before use).

How Prepaid Gas Meters Work:

Purchase of Gas:Users pay for gas online (e.g., through apps, WeChat/Alipay mini-programs, official websites) or offline (e.g., banks, convenience stores, property management offices, gas company service centers).

Obtaining Gas Receipt: After successful payment, users receive a unique gas purchase barcode or a string of numbers. Online, this barcode is usually displayed directly in the app or via SMS.

Enter Gas Quantity: The user scans this barcode in the required infrared scanning area of ​​the gas meter, or manually enters the string of numbers via keypad.

Gas Quantity Received: After recognizing the request, the gas meter adds the corresponding gas quantity (cubic meters) to the remaining gas supply in the meter and reopens the valve (if it was closed due to unpaid bills).

Main Types of Prepaid Gas Meters

IC Card Gas Meters

Media: Uses a dedicated IC card as the medium for purchasing gas and recharging.

Process: The user takes the card to a recharge point to pay, the gas volume is written to the IC card, and then the user inserts the IC card into the gas meter's card slot at home to read the gas volume.

Characteristics: Requires physical contact; the card is easily lost or damaged. This is an earlier form of prepaid gas meter and is gradually being phased out.

Code-based Gas Meters

Media: No physical card required; gas purchase information is transmitted through a 20-digit digital password.

IoT Gas Meter

Media: Directly connected to the network via a built-in IoT chip.

Process: After the user completes payment via a mobile app, the gas volume is automatically and remotely transmitted to the gas meter via the mobile network, requiring no manual operation from the user.

Features: The most convenient experience and the future trend. Simultaneously, gas companies can remotely read meters and monitor meter status, enabling more refined management.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Prepaid Model

Advantages:

For Users:

Consumption Autonomy: Users can clearly understand their gas usage and consumption patterns, avoiding impulsive spending.

Avoid Late Fees: Since payment is made in advance, there are no outstanding fees or late charges.

No Need for Meter Reading: Avoids the possibility of meter reading failure due to no one being home, protecting privacy.