The utility companies still get the signal they need with the Smart Meter Guard installed. Here is why. Smart meters are made to transmit about 25 miles so they make them with fairly high RF power, about 3 to 5 watts depending on the manufacturer. The Smart Meter Guard blocks about 98% of the RF emitting from the smart meter. The 1% to 2% RF that leaks out is enough to transmit a signal about a mile or so. Most utility receiving stations or collector smart meters are only a few blocks from most people's homes. This means the utility company gets the signal they need. We have sold quite a few of the Guards and we haven't had any reports of the utility company not getting their signal.