Just like in the past, nowadays the use of gas in our homes is very convenient; however, we always have to foot the bill in the end.

The methods of paying for gas have been changing over the years, just like the ways in which gas is used.  One of the most interesting solutions are automated gas meters.

At the end of the 19th century, such devices were commonplace and practical – gas was supplied to the home only once a special token was inserted into the meter. Tokens could be purchased from the gasworks. Similarly to coins, they had different denominations and allowed to purchase different quantities of gas.

This made it easier for customers to settle their bills – gas was delivered “on-demand” when it was needed, and the gasworks no longer had to deal with the problem of unpaid bills and having to prepare labour-intensive estimates of consumed gas based on gas meter readings taken by meter reading agents.

This old-fashioned solution, similarly to other gas technologies, was at that time practical and innovative.