| − | A '''smart meter''' is any instrument for measuring usage of [[electricity]], [[natural gas]], or [[water]], that communicates by [[radio]] with the utility provider and facilitates more frequent measurement of usage, or remote control of the provision of service. | + | A '''smart meter''' is any instrument for measuring usage of [[electricity]], [[natural gas]], or [[water]], that communicates by [[radio]] with the utility provider and facilitates more frequent measurement of usage, or remote control of the provision of service. These meters have a limited range, so the utility company typically communicates with them by driving a vehicle with a transceiver past the facilities being serviced. |