Not all the new meters work the same. Some are worse than others.
True and that's why I was asking. If they are simple pole and ping capabilities with monthly usage transmission I would not consider them a threat. I think they use the same technology still in R&D stage for Broadband over the powerlines back to a communcations unit at the substation. I think that system can be accessed from the substation or remotely even from a remote laptop for example an on call lineman or dispatcher. It saves time having to wait till the dispatcher drives in etc. The dispatcher can do the same task from his home and still communicate with the lineman. They can also drop out entire legs {not individual homes} remotely if needed.