Well, I just read an IAEI article that lets the cat out of the bag: the motive behind the 'smart grid' push is purely political, an experiment in social science to regulate / modify behavior.
What behavior is encouraged? That's harder to fathom ... what's clear is that having the information available, as well as variable utility rates, will allow "someone" to influence your choices by opening your pocketbook.
We could very well end up with something like airline fares today, where no two people pay the same rate. This will also insert another agency into the mix the next time you build a hot tub or even replace a water heater.
Remember: The abuse of power is always in the right hands.
