Smart meters are widely used to enhance energy efficiency and electricity management through precision monitoring. However, many residents are concerned that the installation of smart meters may lead to higher electricity expenditure. While existing studies suggest that smart meters enhance consumers’ energy-saving awareness and induce reduction in energy consumption, their impact on vulnerable consumers—particularly rural and low-income households—remains underexplored. This study examines whether smart meters have varying impacts on energy use in the Chinese context, based on the data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). The findings reveal that smart meters not only fail to achieve energy-saving effects but also result in increased electricity expenditures across various groups, especially among vulnerable consumers such as rural and low-income households. Further analysis highlights that smart meters exacerbate energy risk, underscoring the need to protect vulnerable consumers from rising energy burdens during the energy transition. These insights contribute to the broader discussion on the social implications of energy policies, emphasizing the need for more inclusive approaches when implementing smart technologies globally.
