A huge credit bill can get you into legal problems. If you use the money before they find out that "they" have made a mistake, you're toast.
Regarding, the digital meters: I friend of mine worked for a company making remote read meters: They use radio or the cell phone system to transfer data to the Power Company. (I suppose it's cheaper than upgrading the power lines to carry data)
Bjarney: If it keeps track of the voltage, it wouldn't be to hard to design it also to warn in case of under- or overvoltage, would it? (And shut off power in severe cases)
