is not intended to limit the application or claims to the specific embodiment illustrated in a disclosed embodiment non billing security can be provided for electrical outlets using an access control system in one aspect in order to prevent un authorized usage of outlets in a parking area an access card and card reader carried by an outlet or power control unit can be associated with a specific outlet or outlets once an authorizing card has been scanned and accepted the outlet s can be energized the outlet control unit and the associated access control system can detect when current flow through the outlet stops or slows either by being unplugged or when charging is complete the outlet can then be de energized preventing unauthorized users from accessing and appropriating electrical energy from the outlet the control system or the outlet control unit can provide alarms and logging functions to notify owners of usage authorized and unauthorized the control system can also provide information from attached meters for billing outlet activation can be prevented during specific times such as when a resident is away or when peak energy rates are applicable by the control system and or the outlet control unit an input signal can be provided to the outlet control unit that will activate or deactivate access to the power the outlet control unit can include predetermined security related functionality for example the following can be detected when power is disconnected indicating potential theft by unplugging current user and plugging in an unidentified user when charging is complete indicated by u2018 flat line u2019 of low current and when.