1. The document discusses how machine-to-machine (M2M) technology and big data analytics are disrupting the energy industry by improving distribution networks through the use of smart meters. 2. Smart meters collect data on voltage, current, power usage, and outage events which can then be used to detect theft, map outages, forecast demand, and optimize field technician deployment to reduce losses in the distribution system. 3. Key applications discussed include using smart meter data to detect theft hotspots, implement dynamic electric pricing to encourage off-peak usage, and analyze equipment maintenance patterns to predict and prevent outages.