In my town it is or you can pay to have your meter read.
We have the basic type of 'smart meter' that only sends usage data back to the office. That part I like.
Previously, we "got to" read the meter for free, and record that, and the date read, on the bill stub that was sent in with the current payment. Once or twice a year, somebody that had other line or right of way work to do in the general area would do a 'check' reading to keep customers honest.
OTOH, a load-controlling meter is something else entirely. No, thanks; but N.O., NO!
I love being on a co-op, where we at least noddingly know the Board & management...and if we don't like the job they're doing, can vote them out. Quite a change from having been, at various times, on municipal systems, as well as being a peon customer of PG&E, SoCal Edison, and even a subsidiary of a subsidiary of Scottish Power. (YES, based in Scotland, but they bought out several smaller U.S. power companies.)