It’s supposed to allow the power company to shut down power to your house remotely, among other things.
But, they have issues. The readings can be way off, there’s a chance the shut-off signal could be hacked. but mainly, it’s about who decides what goes on your property, you or them?
“it’s about who decides what goes on your property, you or them?”
No it isn’t. It’s already decided. It’s their property (the meter) and they have the legal right to access it - which you granted to them by having them install power service.