While consumers sometimes must watch their volume of text messages to limit phone charges, new smart meters will automatically reduce utility bills using the same wireless networks.

Smart grid company currently SmartSynch provides technology to more than 100 utilities to connect their equipment to the grid via IP (Internet Protocol) communications. The company has now developed services and software that similarly enable consumer devices to talk the grid over AT&T's ubiquitous wireless networks.

SmartSynch is joining the ranks of companies applying secure internet communications to add intelligence to the grid at a fraction of the cost of proprietary networks. The company's home smart meters will inform the grid about up-to-the-minute energy loads, which in aggregate will better enable utilities to anticipate demand.

For consumers, smart meters will enable non-essential devices to be automatically idled during times of peak electricity prices, an easy and effective way to slash utility bills. Thanks to the same technology that is used to stay connected to each other, the last load of laundry can now wait until rates dip to finish drying.

SmartSynch partner AT&T is only the latest mega technology company to join the "green rush" to cash in on private and public investment in smart grid technology that aspires to make the grid reliable as a data center.

For example, IBM has been developing a suite of smart grid technologies, and recently expanded their services to water resource management. GE kicked off its smart grid media blitz during the Super Bowl. Echelon is targeting small business owners with its technology for controlling buildings' energy use.

Smart grid companies large and small are feeling empowered for growth with the stimulus package providing $4.5 billion in federal dollars for enhancing energy efficiency through investment and research.

You don't have to be Jim Cramer to know that smart grid stocks will likely be one of the hottest picks for the next year.