Energy provider RWE npower is to run a six month pre-paid smart meter trial with LogicaCMG. The energy company’s trial allows pre-payment customers to manage their power use on a ‘pay as you go’ 24/7 basis. The Instant Energy service offers real time communication with customers’ meters using SMS messaging through which customers may top up their credit. It will use the same technology as pay-as-you-go mobile phones. Benefits include great visibility of usage and improved customer service, as energy can now be bought in a shop, online, via text message, says RWE npower. Tariff changes can be made automatically ensuring that the customer pays the correct price and does not get into debt unexpectedly. Smart metering is starting to take off, said RWE npower commercial metering manager Jane Franklin. “The success of this trial is key for us, given the importance of smart metering in the Government’s energy strategy,” she said.