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A meter for monitoring consumption of a resource, such as water or other fluids, and corresponding methods of configuring and operating the meter are disclosed. The meter includes processing and memory devices for determining and storing a supplier measure of consumption of the resource and a commun

A meter for monitoring consumption of a resource, such as water or other fluids, and corresponding methods of configuring and operating the meter are disclosed. The meter includes processing and memory devices for determining and storing a supplier measure of consumption of the resource and a communication link for enabling a supplier to access the stored supplier measure. The supplier access is controlled by a first access control device, which prevents unauthorized access to the stored data. The meter further includes a consumer data memory for storing consumer data including a consumer measure of consumption and second access control device. The second access control device enables a consumer to access the stored consumer data without permitting the consumer to modify the stored supplier measure of consumption.

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The invention claimed is: 1. A meter for monitoring consumption of a resource, the meter comprising: processing and memory means for determining and storing a supplier measure of consumption of the resource; a communication link for enabling a supplier to access the stored supplier measure under th

The invention claimed is: 1. A meter for monitoring consumption of a resource, the meter comprising: processing and memory means for determining and storing a supplier measure of consumption of the resource; a communication link for enabling a supplier to access the stored supplier measure under the control of a first access control means for preventing unauthorised access to the stored data, the meter further comprising: consumer data memory for storing consumer data including a consumer measure of consumption; and second access control means for enabling a consumer to access the stored consumer data without permitting the consumer to modify the stored supplier measure of consumption; wherein the meter is arranged to store consumer configuration data. 2. A meter according to claim 1 further including a metering assembly providing output signals indicative of consumption to the processing means. 3. A meter according to claim 2 wherein the meter is integrated with the metering assembly. 4. A meter according to claim 1 arranged to permit the consumer to access the data over the same communication link as the supplier. 5. A meter according to claim 1 wherein the communication link comprises a telecommunications link. 6. A meter according to claim 1 wherein the processor is arranged to enable the consumer measure to have different resolution or measurement units to the supplier measure. 7. A meter according to claim 1 wherein the processor is arranged to maintain a consumer log of consumption for access by the consumer. 8. A meter according to claim 1 further comprising means for communicating a message from the consumer to the supplier or vice versa. 9. A meter according to claim 1 further arranged to provide service access under control of a third secure access means, the service access enabling access to parameters which are not adjustable by the supplier access or the consumer access. 10. A meter according to claim 1 arranged to monitor fluid flow, wherein the consumer measure is arranged to permit detection of leaks. 11. A meter according to claim 1 including means for notifying a consumer of an alarm condition. 12. A meter according to claim 11, wherein the means for notifying includes means for providing a visual or audible indication locally connected to the meter. 13. A meter according to claim 11, wherein the means for notifying includes means for sending a message, preferably an SMS message to a remote destination. 14. A meter according to claim 11, wherein the alarm condition comprises a consumption in accordance with a predetermined condition configurable by the consumer. 15. A meter for monitoring consumption of a resource,the meter comprising: processing and memory means for determining and storing a supplier measure of consumption of the resource; a communication link for enabling a supplier to access the stored supplier measure under the control of a first access control means for preventing unauthorised access to the stored data, the meter further comprising: consumer data memory for storing consumer data including a consumer measured of consumption; and second access control means for enabling a consumer to access the stored consumer data without permitting the consumer to modify the stored supplier measure of consumption; wherein the meter is further arranged to provide service access under control of a third secure access means, the service access enabling access to parameters which are not adjustable by the supplier access or the consumer access. 16. A meter for monitoring consumption of a resource, the meter comprising: processing and memory means for determining and storing a supplier measure of consumption of the resource; a communication link for enabling a supplier to access the stored supplier measure under the control of a first access control means for preventing unauthorised access to the stored data, the meter further comprising: consumer data memory for storing consumer data including a consumer measure of consumption; second access control means for enabling a consumer to access the stored consumer data without permitting the consumer to modify the stored supplier measure of consumption; and means for notifying a consumer of an alarm condition wherein the alarm condition comprises a consumption in accordance with a predetermined condition configurable by the consumer. 17. A method of configuring a meter having a metering assembly, a processor, memory and a communication link, the meter being configured to provide remote access to a stored supplier measure of consumption in the memory by an authorised supplier following supplier authentication, the method comprising configuring the meter to permit remote access to stored data including a consumer measure of consumption by a consumer following consumer authentication, wherein the consumer is not permitted to modify the supplier measure stored in the memory and wherein configuring comprises updating the software of the meter.