I read an article several years ago and California regulators were looking forward the interconnected homes and power grid, because when the load on the grid becomes too great, they will be able to turn off appliances in peoples' homes. Then when the load becomes manageable again, they will turn the appliances back on. Of course, the A/C units would be the first to go off and then washers, dryers, etc.
I was shocked that they would actually admit to this in public. But it certainly means that public utilities will not be able to build to meet the increased demand for the foreseeable future. When we get to this point, public outcry will likely turn against these zealots, but the future does not look very good.