U.S. government officials at the state and federal levels are being duped into spending billions of dollars to supplement the deployment of smart meters based on the mistaken assumption they will contribute to increased energy efficiency, according to a report. The report attributes the problem to a "fundamental lack of understanding of the problems associated with the future of electricity and energy." Researchers from the National Institute for Science, Law & Public Policy -- which produced the study -- say transitioning to a renewable energy economy requires policy changes such as those implemented in Germany and the Netherlands that rely less on utilities and promote more home-based energy management solutions.