On Fri, 20 Sep 2013 11:20:12 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

I want one that speaks or can be downloaded in real time to a bog
standard textual file I can read on my computer. (etc)

The CurrentCost unit outputs plain text XML:

http://www.currentcost.com/cc128/xml.htm

As Dave said, you don't want a smart meter, what you want is a remote
monitor with appropriate connection to your computer. Too many
politicians who don't know what they're talking about have confused the
issue by using the names and functionalities of two completely different
devices interchangably.

Four:

Smart Meter = Stand alone realtime and possibly logging energy
monitor.
Remote usage monitor/display.

Smart Meter = Suppliers meter with remote energy use display. No data

connection to the supplier.

Smart Meter = Suppliers meter with remote energy use display. Data
connection back to the supplier.

Smart Meter = Suppliers meter no remote energy use display. Data
connection back to the supplier.

Though I don't think the last are very common, if they exist. The
politicos wouldn't know that...

--
Cheers
Dave.