>my utility company demanding that I stop making ice during peak electric demand periods.

I think this statement communicates a fundamental misunderstanding of the energy use management implemented by the SmartMeters, or an attempt to villify a fairly clever project that has the potential to save tons of electricity.

For one, the SmartMeter system is entirely voluntary, and can be taken out at any time. For another, at least where I live, it applies only to A/C, and only will shut off one time, for one hour, once every week during peak usage.

Please do not present promising technology like this as some kind of Orwellian spectre of tyranny. It's really not.