Sage News, Articles & Advice
Utility Technology Blog
Understanding the AI Ecosystem: LLMs and Specialized AI
An LLM is not a single breakthrough in AI research, it is the convergence of multiple AI subfields that have evolved over decades of research. Machine learning, optimization, probabilistic modeling, natural language processing, and knowledge representation are all examples of AI disciplines which contributed to what is now known as an LLM. Explore the distinction between generalist LLMs and specialist AI subfields and the best application of both. Break it Down for Me>
Signals Received: What We’ve Heard from the Industry in the Past Year
It’s been a big year for utilities. The industry is buzzing with change and facing new possibilities and challenges at every turn. Priorities are shifting fast and readiness is just as important as the technology itself. Get the inside scoop on which technologies are picking up steam, what ideas are moving from experiment to reality, and what is keeping everyone up at night. We’ll walk you through the trends and what you can do to stay ahead of the game. Get Your Primer on 2026 Utility Technology Trends>
Your Data is Lying to You: Clean Data Strategies for Utilities
As utilities seek to realize the promise of AI, or any of the other modern technologies with promise to revolutionize the electric utility, we need to face a fact we all know; for most utilities, the data isn’t going to get us there. A maturity model can help us figure out where we are right now, and what benefit we would get from getting to the next step. Get the Model for Sustainable Data Improvements>
Modular by Design: Building Utility Solutions One Step at a Time
Today’s utilities do not have the luxury of building their IT and OT environments from scratch. While maintaining the systems, utilities face never-ending pressure to modernize, digitize, and integrate new capabilities across the enterprise. In this article, we introduce the concept of modularity and show how heterogeneous systems can evolve independently while allowing effective communication between these systems. Get up to speed on modular design>
AI in Utilities
Accelerating Common Information Model (CIM) Adoption with AI
Seamless data exchange is critical for utility reliability, forecasting, operational planning, customer programs, and regulatory compliance. The Common Information Model (CIM), greatly improves interoperability across heterogeneous information systems. However, converting data from existing systems to CIM is often time-consuming, complex, and prone to error. AI can dramatically simplify the process. See how CIM & AI can help >
AI in Utilities
Bridging the Gap Between Domain Experts and Software Engineers using Pair Programming Concepts
One of AI’s most effective uses comes from helping to bridge the knowledge gap between domain experts and software engineers. By using AI as a pair programming tool, AI can accelerate collaboration and reduce friction in utility software projects. See how it works >
Setting an Effective Strategy for Complex Utility Technology Projects
Too many complex technology projects and programs start with a strategy that is overly simplistic and broad or simply doesn’t exist at all, and the initiatives that follow suffer as a result. A clear, effective strategy will help a lot. Get an in-depth look into how it's done. Show me the way! >
Technology Modernization Starts with a Plan, Not a Platform
Buying a platform before defining the plan is like building a house before you’ve drawn up the blueprints. It might look like progress at first, but things just won’t fit together. That’s why progress starts with a clear plan, not a technology decision. Read more >
AI for Utilities: Managing Risk in Regulated Environments
Regulated industries such as utilities are subject to compliance requirements from government agencies, industry regulators, or both. Operating in a regulated environment puts constraints on the way utilities can effectively use AI. We'll walk you through how to minimize compliance risk by addressing five core domains. Read more >
Modernization: Not a Tech Problem, a Process Problem
When utilities talk about modernization, whether it is automation, new platforms, or other digital solutions, the focus often lands on the tools themselves: new software systems, integrations, and data solutions. But the toughest part is not buying or building them. It is designing the process that gets teams aligned, engaged, and ready to adopt. Here's how. Read more >
Why Nimble, Trusted Partners Outperform Big-Name Vendors
When a project moves from slides to delivery, the partner you choose often decides the outcome. Brand recognition can open doors, but it does not guarantee results. What matters is judgment, speed, alignment, and whether your organization is stronger when the work ends. Discover the five reasons nimble teams routinely beat the big names & use our handy checklist for picking the right one. Read more >
Utility Technology Project Success Series
How to Avoid Common Pitfalls that Put Projects at Risk
Root Cause or Red Herring? A Simple Trick to Help You Understand What Went Wrong, and How to Fix It
Solving problems at the root level ensures that the problem will remain solved. Here's how. Read more >
Before the Red Flags Fly: Spotting Early Signs of Project Drift
Here are six signs your project might be veering off track—and how to intervene early. Read more >
The Right Tool for the Job
The tools utilities know best are often the ones that introduce unexpected complexity when they’re applied to a business problem too quickly Read more >
Behind the Data - How Metadata Drives Trustworthy AI in Utilities
Large language models (LLMs) and other AI systems can process any data stream and attempt to make inferences. But if you feed them only raw time-series numbers—say, meter readings with no labels, timestamps, or units—they struggle to make sense of what those numbers represent and provide actionable insights. Read more >
Why WRAP Needed a Custom Solution
and Why "Custom" is Not a Bad Word
Off-the-shelf solutions are tempting. They're fast to deploy, widely used, and seem “safe” on the surface. But when Western Power Pool (WPP) needed to automate the settlement process, they quickly realized that purchasing and adapting an existing settlement platform wouldn’t cut it. Read more >
AI in Utilities: Principles for Responsible Solution Development
Used effectively, AI can significantly enhance operational efficiency, forecasting, grid management, and customer service. Effective AI use is just the starting point. In a sector where every decision can affect people, infrastructure, and the environment, responsibility must guide every step. Read more >
Success Story
Automated Settlement Solution for Western Power Pool
When WPP needed a first-of-its-kind solution to automate and manage complex settlements for shared resource pooling, it turned to Sage Utility Solutions for help. With deep expertise in energy management and resourcing, Sage understood the business problem WPP needed to solve. Read more >