NJwirenut:
I think 'scam' is a little harsh.
I don't. Particularly in regards to the "environmental" angle.
Adopting such a system would relegate all existing receptacles and cordcaps (and countless entire appliances) to the landfills, at a time when we are already dealing with a growing tide of so-called "E-waste".
Putting an electronic RFID reader and current transducer in every receptacle outlet represents a HUGE increase in so-called "Phantom Load". There is already enough of an issue with the dozens of "wall warts" and unused chargers that people leave plugged in and powered up 24/7. When dozens of tiny "energy suckers" are permanently wired into your building, there will be no way to stop the energy waste short of opening the main breaker!
This is yet another attempt to cash in while promoting the idea that you can "consume your way out of overconsumption". More electronic junk to be produced (with the attendant "carbon footprint"), with no safety benefit that couldn't be achieved by putting fuses in the attachment plug like the Brits do. Plus you end up with a system that allows utility companies and/or government agencies the ability to control your electrical usage remotely. I can see the communication protocols for these things being cracked and posted to the 'net within days of introduction, so that every computer prankster can play an exciting game of "Let's Reboot the Neighborhood".
And then there's the whole issue of wrapping up our electrical system in a layer of proprietary, closed source, patented, and licensed technology so that a handful of companies can cash in on it.
Just one more example of "Defective by Design" if you ask me...