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.

New Jersey's largest utility wants to invest $446 million in solar. More than half of it would go to plant solar farms atop landfills and brownfields in the Garden State. Public Service Electric & Gas announced Tuesday it has preliminary approval from state regulators with a final decision due by month's end.

An Austin-based IT consultancy has just published a short guide on how to "take your office off the grid." It doesn't really say much new, but it does illustrate a concerning trend - more and more businesses are coming to believe that grid divorce is desirable and possible. We told you about Walmart; click to read how Verizon is parting ways with utilities.

This film from Hubbell Power Systems explores the life and times of journeyman linemen, apprentices and their families. Their team has traveled all over North America documenting the stories of the lineman brotherhood.

We told you about the Wall Street Journal editorial warning that California's renewables mandates could have bad consequences, and about the strong response to it from the state's PUC. Today we've got another perspective that we think you'll find of interest, this time from Ted Craver, Chairman, President and CEO of Edison International.

Rifle shots damaged a Pacific Gas & Electric substation Tuesday morning, causing the California Independent System Operator to call for power conservation. It's a reminder that with all the current emphasis on cybersecurity, utilities can't overlook physical security.

Every so often we highlight clever, unusual or just plain cool things electric utilities do to engage and educate their customers or help out in their communities. Click for a look at our latest list - there may be a few ideas you want to borrow.

This Silver Spring Networks webcast highlights how Baltimore Gas & Electric leveraged smart grid technology during Hurricane Sandy. Benefits discussed include greater visibility into affected areas and ease in locating and rerouting power around trouble spots.

If you're wondering how you're going to find the smart grid talent you need to pull off a smart meter deployment or other major smart grid initiative, you'll want to see the advice former Glendale Water and Power GM Glenn Steiger shared in an interview with Smart Grid Careers.

ComEd has issued a powerful report documenting the number of new jobs created in 2012 by its smart grid initiative in Illinois. But even with that and approval by the legislature, the state's governor is expected to veto the latest version of a smart grid law.

After an ultra-cautious original plan - and despite problems with meters catching fire - Peco Energy Co. is asking regulators if it can finish up its smart meter installations five years faster to save money. Will other slow-going utilities follow suit?

Houston-based CenterPoint Energy is one of the world's true smart grid leaders. So when CenterPoint makes a move, it's worth paying attention. This time, they are launching a company-wide platform for customer interaction, one that pulls together all four of its lines of business in all six of its states.

The utility industry faces both a graying workforce and a younger future worker who associates utility jobs with climbing poles and flipping switches. Brynn Downing of the Energy Providers Coalition for Education explains a program that Northeast Utilities participated in to try to solve one part of that pipeline problem.

From rebates and smart home makeovers to online games and electrifying theatrical performances, you may be as surprised as we were at some of the creative ways power companies are sending a little love to their customers and communities. Click for seven customer engagement ideas that may inspire you.

San Diego Gas & Electric President and COO Mike Niggli delivered a keynote speech to the nearly 10,000 delegates who attended DistribuTECH 2013 in San Diego in late January.