Not necesary to make that requirement. The way stuff like this works, is that with a fairly simple set of end-point power controland some pretty simple monitor

Not necesary to make that requirement. The way stuff like this works, is that with a fairly simple set of end-point power controland some pretty simple monitoring, and then some central smart software, you can effect pretty dramatic improvements. For example, the smart controller allows the fridge temperature to drift (just a little), similarly with central heating, and geyser, and the net effect is that power draw is temporarily reduced during peak times. Multiply this over your whole year and you have some cost savings. Multiply it over a whole neighbourhood, and the utility can dramatically reduce their cost of maintenace, and their cost of deployed capital. (Because of reduced power/thermal swings in their equipment, and reduced peak carrying capacity of the network)