A smart meter is an electronic device that records energy consumption in intervals of an hour or less and communicates that information back to the utility for monitoring and billing purposes. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the central system. They can be read remotely and can also communicate pricing information to the consumer to enable them to respond to real-time pricing changes. Smart meters can also provide consumers with detailed information about their energy usage, allowing them to make informed decisions about their energy consumption.