The ABC has 2 good articles on energy efficiency and the urgent need for smart meters that are actively available to the end user. As they state in the article we have 5 years to stabilise emissions if we want to avert massive climate change.
http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/stories/s2798071.htm
And a possible Australian solution from Latrobe University just waiting to be be implemented if we're 'smart' enough.