Most homes already have a smart meter that digitally communicates with the electric grid. If you're looking to get rooftop solar panels, a smart meter is an essential piece of equipment. Here's why.

NYSEG and RG&E are installing the latest in energy use technology − smart meters − across their wide customer base that includes more than 1 million electric hook-ups and 500,000 natural gas services.

Are you one of the more than two million people who had a smart electricity meter installed? It would help us find cheaper electricity tariffs, we were told. But if the meters are so smart, then why ...