From the Glossy Page Blog

Smart meters can help households monitor their daily consumption, but the real benefits will be evident if you consider entire cities. Energy conservation has always been the priority of energy suppliers and consumers, and in Sydney electricity consumption will peak at predictable hours. Consumption is at its highest during the evenings, and sometimes the supply just can’t keep up with the demand. This is where smart meters come in. If the demand can be regulated with pricing adjustments and incentives, then most people won’t have any qualms in shifting their consumption to hours when energy rates are more affordable. Smart meters can curb the energy consumption of entire communities.