Museum of Science and Industry

A Wigan-based company became part of history this week when two of its meter reader devices were donated to MOSI.

The ‘Husky’ and ‘Intermec’ are two models of hand-held terminals (HHT) which were used by Lowri Beck, a leading independent energy meter reading company in the UK. The HHT allowed meter readers to capture data in the field and send it back to a head office database. The earlier Husky model, bought in the 1990s, sent data once a day via a landline. The Intermec, bought in 2004, used mobile communications to send the information throughout the day and is still in use in some areas of the UK.

The museum also collected images of a meter reader using this item, along with Lowri Beck newsletters and marketing material. 

Energy curator John Beckson said: “The hand held computer used by the meter reader of today replaced the old notepad and pencil of the past. But the latest smart meters will transmit readings over the airwaves by themselves – an amazing development.  So we wanted to capture this bit of energy history as it happens.”

Bob Vernon, MD Lowri Beck said, “We are always upgrading our equipment to keep pace with the technology and to remain competitive.  As the smart meter roll out moves forward we will continue to serve energy users throughout the UK.  And we’re delighted to support the museum by donating this bit of modern history.”

Most energy meter reading companies are owned by large corporations but Lowri Beck is independently owned and has a solid base in the North West. It continues to develop innovative metering & data solutions for electricity, gas and water utilities, as well as for users themselves, to help in the effort to control energy costs.

MOSI has one of the country’s largest collections related to electricity use and generation, where visitors can experience the history of electricity from the nineteenth century through to the present day.  From the days of penny in the slot meters to nuclear power, the museum tells the story of energy that touches all our lives.

For more information please look up Lowri Beck: http://www.lowribeck.eu/

For media enquiries please contact: Sarah Roe, MOSI press and publicity officer on Tel: 0161 606 0176, m: 07847 372647

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