We got a "smart" meter a while ago and even though the meter readings are now done electronically, they still send along someone at random once a year to check up on things. When I asked him why, he said the real reason was the make sure no one had tampered with the meter. Cannabis growers in particular are noted for their weird and wonderful wiring arrangements for their heat and light requirements.
No gas in our place, electricity was about the same as RS's "average" neighbours - 802 kWh for December, with ground source heat pump responsible for making that about double what we use in summer. House is about 3,000 sq ft, with much of our heat coming from burning wood.