Not a new thing really just a new application for it. Those taps have been around for years but rarely used and often electric companies don't like that kind of stuff.
They also don't work on all meter bases. That band clamp style isn't used in allot of the country. Much of the country uses the type where the meter is plugged in then the cover closed and a tamper tag put on the loop. These bases are common because it makes disconnecting power to a house easy and fast in an emergency. Just snip the tag and you can pop the meter in seconds.
Now that said current code for new builds requires a 200 amp disconnect between the meter and the panel which negates the need for the easy to access meters.
I can see some electric companies not allowing those on their meters though. They will claim it makes it easier to steal electricity. Here they won't allow meter base breaker combo panels because they think the customer will steal power with them... I can also see them calling it a double tap on the meter which some allow and some don't. Gotta remember there are no rules or codes for how electric companies do their wiring unlike everyone else. They make it up as they go along and do it how they want to.
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