From limited discussions I have had on the new smart meters, it would appear that they are more accurate at reading consumption than the old style meters, which generally under read consumption. Hence in part the push to get them installed everywhere. Everyone I spoken to has seen their consumption rise post a smart meter being installed, usually somewhere around 5 to 10% increase in a domestic situation. The local carpenter workshop saw a 50% increase in consumption post having a smart meter installed. He keep a log of his machine use etc., and basically he was consuming the electricity, that the old meter under recorded.
