Why is Big Data such a Big Deal for electric utilities? Because many are starting to use advanced analytics software to turn the volumes of data streaming in from smart grid technologies into actionable business intelligence. In part one of our new buying guide, you'll discover some of the benefits they're seeing - including just-released results from Oncor's ambitious analytics initiative with IBM.

Utilities are now getting much more data about their equipment via meters, sensors and other intelligent devices and seeing the benefits of software that can pull together all that information and make sense of it. As a result, strategic asset management is entering its next phase, which is the focus of our latest eBook developed with the experts at UTILICASE. Download the free eBook to learn how your utility can glean the benefits of advanced analytics to develop a more strategic asset care program.

Smart meters may get most of the attention, but many would argue that grid optimization is how utilities and their customers are going to get the most bang for their buck. So what is grid optimization, and how do we bring it out of the smart grid closet? You'll find answers in our one-stop grid optimization toolkit, which is packed with the analysis, trends and resources you need to get up to speed.

How are we going to turn our frail and neglected electric power transmission system into a secure and reliable smart grid? It’s a critical and timely issue, which is why we’ve loaded this toolkit with some of the best analysis, most-promising trends and smartest research relating to next steps in electric power transmission.

The Energy Future Coalition and the state of Maryland have issued the first report from their Utility 2.0 project on what should be considered in the development of utilities of the future. It offers specifics on key issues, from reliability and grid modernization to customer choice and regulatory changes.

It took a while but microgrids have been gaining ground and getting a lot of attention lately. Joule Assets CEO Mike Gordon outlines why microgrids could be the tipping point that takes forward-thinking utilities from a traditional commodity provider role to a more service-oriented one.

The Energy Future Coalition was charged by Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland, in response to a recommendation from the Governor’s Task Force on Grid Resiliency, with developing a practical method to explore the utility of the future. This document responds to that charge.

If you want to know where the smart grid action will be over at least the next several years, look toward China, Japan and Korea. They are likely to invest a lot of money in ambitious, large-scale projects, say Navigant Research and Frost & Sullivan.

In a progress report to state regulators, ComEd said its 2012 investments in distributed automation were well worth it. Customer power interruptions dropped by 82,000 last year as a result of the smart grid technology. Learn what ComEd plans next.

The role of microgrids in improving grid resilience, particularly in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, has been a hot topic. But there's been less discussion about microgrid security. In today's guest column, cybersecurity pro Ernest Hayden of Verizon advises a holistic view of microgrid security that includes three key considerations.

When utility crews team up to restore power after major disasters like Hurricane Sandy, keeping track of their own vehicles can be tricky, let alone monitoring where other crews are. Clevest Solutions has launched a new version of its locator software to make that chore easier and more efficient.

As part of its gridSMART program, AEP Ohio is investigating the impacts of several new distribution technologies, including Volt/VAR optimization, energy storage, DR, EVs and distributed solar PV. Working with Battelle, they developed what looks to be one of the most powerful simulation tools yet.

During Hurricane Sandy, even utilities with only partially complete smart grid implementations improved and streamlined outage management. Smart grid technology gave utilities greater visibility into affected areas with two-way communications. As this Silver Spring Networks white paper details, with real-time insight, the smart grid automated key processes, easily locating and rerouting power around trouble spots, reducing unnecessary truck rolls and saving costs.

Hard to believe, but scientists at Clemson University and partners are growing neurons in petri dishes with the goal of using them to control the smart grid. Click for more on how they're making control systems more brain-like so they can carry out real-time control of complex systems.

Utilities in many states are hamstrung when it comes to grid upgrades and improvements because there's no guarantee they will get paid for their work until after it is completed... that is, if it is approved. We're glad to see the Missouri legislature is considering a bill to eliminate that serious obstacle.