FRAMINGHAM, Mass. and AURORA, Colo., Nov. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year, San Diego Gas & Electric topped the UtiliQ survey of electric utilities, making it America's most intelligent utility. Following closely were two top alumni and two newcomers.

UtiliQ is a project from IDC Energy Insights and Intelligent Utility magazine, developed to cut through smart grid hype and measure utilities' progress toward intelligent operation.

"While the smart grid is an exciting project, it generates hype," says Kate Rowland, editor-in-chief of Intelligent Utility magazine. "The reality is far more outcome-based. UtiliQ measures each utility's progress against five criteria needed for a reliable, affordable and sustainable utility. Scores compute into a three-digit IQ."

UtiliQ rated 78 American utilities on operational efficiency, integration of renewables, smart-energy initiatives, demand response/energy efficiency programs and IT investments.

IQs higher than 140 are ranked as "Near Genius," and those between 120 and 140 are ranked as "Very Superior Intelligence." Most of 2011's top 25 utilities achieved "Superior Intelligence," with scores that fall between 110 and 119.

About Energy Central:

Energy Central was founded in 1996 to satisfy the global power industry's need for a reliable information hub where executives and field representatives could share ideas that could alter the future of electric energy. Energy Central provides groundbreaking research, insightful reports, advisory services and original commentary — in print, online and events — on energy-driven topics such as utility business, smart grid, renewable energy, energy storage, transmission and distribution, generation and customer analytics.

About IDC Energy Insights

IDC Energy Insights assists energy businesses and IT leaders, in making more effective technology decisions by providing accurate and insightful research and consulting services. Staffed by senior analysts, our global research analyzes and advises on business and technology issues facing the utility, oil and gas industries. International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology market. For more information, please visit www.idc-ei.com. Visit the IDC Community at http://idc-insights-community.com/energy.

SOURCE Energy Central

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