This technical report sets out a framework for the integration of standards into a system specification for electricity payment metering systems. It addresses the payment metering system application process@ generic processes@ generic functions@ data elements@ system entities and interfaces that exist in present payment metering systems. The approach taken in the framework is sufficiently generic to payment metering systems so that it should be equally applicable to future systems. NOTE 1 This technical report excludes the application of coin-operated meters in payment systems. NOTE 2 This technical report specifically covers electricity metering payment systems. However@ it is recognised that payment metering is an established requirement in other utility services and the general framework for standardization in this technical report can be applied to such other utility services. NOTE 3 Contract functions are confined to single bi-lateral supply agreements between a supplier and a customer and specifically exclude related third party agreements such as may be found in the deregulated markets. NOTE 4 Future aspects are considered in Clause 9.