My old meter was 9 years old, when they changed to smart meter, honestly no difference in electric bill. Average about the same only.

So those who claimed spike either that month coincidently use more electric, or their old meter got problem.

Why coincidently? Is because I find many people don't know how air cond works. They thought on 8 hours on a cold day/night will use same electric as 8 hours on a hot day/night