It’s suspected by many that the main reasons for the big push for so-called smart meters are (1) to sack human meter readers, and (2) to enable compulsory rationing as when the inevitable impact of Net Stupid (i.e. not enough energy supply to meet demand) manifests itself.
With a smart meter you can sit at home and watch how much electricity you’re using
and then watch when the suppliers cut you off every tea time to save the planet. What fun.