I phrase it as utilities got a gov-mandate to install you new stuff, pass on the cost to you, and save some monthly/bi-monthly opex cost that they can pocket th

I phrase it as utilities got a gov-mandate to install you new stuff, pass on the cost to you, and save some monthly/bi-monthly opex cost that they can pocket themselves (or at least pat themselves on the back for). If it costs more than it saves, they don’t mind, actually that’s great (for them). In rural areas in Ontario, the system used 3G (and for some reason I think only supported 2G in the past) to send readings. So that will be another truck roll (or more likely, cheque to telecoms to keep up some old infra). I also suspicious of $$$ technical investments to reduce relatively small costs (especially ones where a lot of the dollars leave the area).