"In some regions utilities alreadyinstalled digital power meters ("smart meters") at the residential level, which computeW, VAR, and PF. They may surcharge you for VAR."
I have four houses in Santa Barbara County Southern California, and they all have digital meters. I get charged a ridiculous amount for electricity in my own home, primarily because of SCE tiered system. Utilities are like hospitals, and cops, ... you can't fight back.
