I looked into the evidence backing up smart meters and it did come across a bit wolly.
For one, these smart meters pull a small charge off the grid (more if you use the LCD display), I asked a theoretical question - ''if every premises were to have a smart meter installed with LCD display, how much energy would be used?'' I got no response, unsurprising really as it stands against the claim - that being the primary purpose of these meters is to save energy, so a glaring contradiction there.
Secondly, there's the view these smart meters emit significant electromagnetic radiation, disputed by those who stand to benefit from their implementation of course, but enough to cause doubt.
Thirdly, the cost to fit out all these new smart meters has run into the billions and the amount fitted fell way short of that anticipated.
Fourthly, do you trust your energy supplier? I don't. I don't like the idea of a company having control of the power to my home. These smart meters can be switched off remotely from a guy in a van outside - you really have to ask yourself how that sits with you.
Lastly, how exactly do these smart meters help you save money?
I've concluded they are not for me, and that's final. I think the money should be spent on renewable energy projects opposed to stopping energy thieves, ramping up the already extortionate cost to the honest consumer at the same time. I would rather the increased amounts we pay be be spent on creating more energy, which would lead to a surplus and therefore reduced cost in the long term.
The population is only going to grow, and when peak demand is reached and breached, only more energy is going to solve the problem.