This might be relevant here;

Smart meters- after one was installed last October (2009), our bill in Northern California went from about $125/month to $488 for December.

I signed on for a "balanced payment plan" and now pay $215/month. I have been trying to save energy FOREEVER, and had gotten my bill down to $38.00 per month sometimes, by shutting off lights, "leaching devices" and hang-drying our clothes.

Sooo, those of us in many places having Smart Meters are already paying these crooks!

Great post, by the way.