Electricity needs when the grids down.

[Mortblanc]

Over here the power companies own the meter and it is outside of the house. Anything past the meter is owned by the home owner.

If they want to put in a "smart meter" they do not need your permission. The meter is their property and not yours.

I understand that your meters are generally inside the house.

So why would you rather have a stranger come into your home for a visual assessment of your situation and possessions while they read the meter rather than have the meter read remotely?

Having a person cross my property to read the meter always made me more antsy than knowing the company could tell that I turned on the AC at 5 pm.

You are going to get a bill either way.