It’s my understanding these “smart meters” work on wireless transmission similar to cellular that allows them to be in constant contact with the power company. I imagine some heavy metallic “remodeling” in the area of the antenna would render them useless.
>> I imagine some heavy metallic remodeling in the area of the antenna would render them useless.<<
I am 99.99% sure that when the little Borg Minion realizes it has been severed from the Collective it ceases to provide power to the house.
Of course they pretty much have you over a barrel unless you either plan to live like the Amish or are wealthy enough to afford your well/septic tank and means of power generation (that doesn't involve a utility connection -- I.E. Natural Gas). In fact that isn't even an option because many places FORCE you to take city water and sewer if available.