What technology is used by utilities for remote monitoring of energy usage?

Meters allowing homeowners to control usage are indeed the technology used by utilities for remote monitoring of energy use. These advanced metering systems, commonly referred to as smart meters, provide real-time data on energy consumption directly to both the utility and the homeowner. This capability allows utilities to better manage energy distribution and demand, while homeowners can track their usage patterns, potentially leading to more efficient energy consumption and cost savings.

Smart meters facilitate better communication between the utility and the consumer, enabling features like dynamic pricing and outage notifications. This technology significantly enhances operational efficiency for utilities by allowing them to monitor and respond to energy usage without needing to send personnel to read traditional meters.

The other options provided do not relate to energy usage monitoring in the context described. Automatic toll booths operate in transportation for collecting tolls, optical mail scanners are used in mail sorting, and Wi-Fi in automobiles pertains to connectivity for vehicles, none of which support the remote monitoring of energy usage.