[Scott]

The main issue for me is that they can automatically switch off your supply with the new smart meters. I think this is the real reason for the insistance.

Those of us who lived through the 70s will remember the 3-day weeks and regular power cuts. No smart meters where required.  

Smart meter or not, they can cut the power to a house/street, district anyway.

I've had a smart meter for years but it hasn't worked for the past nine months, despite several calls which all ended in assurances it would be looked at. I gather this issue is  not uncommon with early versions.  As the estimated readings are lower than my actual usage it's not really causing me any grief.

In short, I don't think there's a great conspiracy to fit smart meters so they can turn off our power.  I suspect the real reason is to eliminate the need to employ meter readers and, possibly, provide accurate, real-time demand information so they know when to fire up the coal burners to meet demand.