Utility systems such as water and waste water are largely controlled by computers, PLCs—or programmable logic controllers—human-machine interfaces, and a variety of sensors, scales, flow meters, pH meters, and other instruments. Any or all of these could be affected by the Y2K.

11. Notes the role that smart meters have in enabling two-way communication, allowing for accurate billing for consumers and increasing demand-side participation, where consumers adjust their habits according to peaks and troughs in energy production; stresses that citizens should receive the full benefits of a smart energy system and that citizen ownership increases behavioural efficiency and thus overall greater energy saving through open protocols; highlights the responsibility of DSOs as service providers to local, regional or national authorities to guarantee access to this service of general interest for all by ensuring network s ...[+++]ecurity and stability; highlights that every citizen should have direct access to consumption and production data in order to ensure efficient, safe and secure smart grid operations; urges the Commission to take steps to ensure that electrical appliances (in particular washing machines, dishwashers, heat pumps and storage heaters, etc.) are capable of operating automatically in conjunction with smart meters by providing consumers with the most favourable tariffs;

Examples of machines containing unattended payment systems include vending machines for drinks or snacks, self-checkout machines in supermarkets, gaming or slot machines, public transport ticket vending machines.

(b) comparison of determinants of the level of service provided by the payment service provider, including factors such as the number and location of branches and the number of automated teller machines through which services can be assessed; (c) provision of complementary information on Union standardised terminology, access to payment accounts including to payment accounts with basic features and on switching procedures available at Union and national level.

(c) services enabling cash withdrawals within the Union from a payment account at the bank counter and at automated teller machines during or outside the bank's opening hours;

Under the Cross-Border Payments Regulation, from 1 July 2002 charges for withdrawals in euros from cash machines must be the same whether the customer uses a machine in the country where they hold their bank account or a machine in another Member State.