As a result of a recent initiative, energy providers are encouraging their customers to have 'smart meters' installed in their properties. Smart meters are recommended because they help you to control your energy usage and therefore mean that you will have lower bills. However, you should refuse to have one installed. The device only tells you how much energy you are using – it doesn't suggest a cheaper alternative and, as a result, the information is not useful to the customer. In fact, the information is far more useful to the energy companies in saving them money.