What you've imagined is pretty elaborate. You're assuming that meters can 'request power' and have more directed to them, and somehow this causes a blackout (n

What you've imagined is pretty elaborate. You're assuming that meters can 'request power' and have more directed to them, and somehow this causes a blackout (nothing in your statement said everyone's microwave & A/C switched on at the same time, now that's how you cause a blackout). Since the goal of the smart grid is the opposite -- "demand-response" -- that is, getting appliances to 'turn off' or go in to a low-power mode when there isn't enough supply, the scenario you imagine is unlikely. That said, I'm sure we'll here of some amazing hacks that we didn't imagine ahead of time. :) EDIT: Ok, didn't think of this when I originally replied. Meters are being issued with a "Remote Disconnect" feature so utilities can disconnect non-paying customers. Seems like that will be hackable.