First Utility want to instal a smart meter for my gas and electricity meters. Is this a good idea?

What they want and what you decide are two different matters. There have been many problems with these so called 'smart' meters. One issue was that they can't cope with LED lamps. Since all lamps will be LED soon that's not encouraging. I wouldn't have one if they paid me.

It depends on how they use it to charge you. I mostly hate mine because PG&E is able to charge more if I run the Air Conditioner in the day time when it is hot. One good thing is it did seem to make it easier for the technician to troubleshoot when my one of power supply lines was broken but generally they seem to be a way to charge you more money for electricity

Not from what I have read about them. They do not always work , can interfere with WIFI, and can give false readings. You could end up by paying more than what you have used.

UK

You can watch them if there's nothing on telly they help you to save by worrying the life out of you watching your bill grow an old dear will switch it off and freeze to save money is this the Britain we want to some they are a hoot but so is life for them they don't watch the pennies and its another spy under your bed we are being watched like pets don't be naughty

peak radiation from the electric meter alone can equal that of dozens of cell phones. most are not ul listed. there have been reports of appliance damage, a few instances of fires, and some have reported physical symptoms. many have reported their bills going up after smart meter installation.