For years utilities have seen a growing need to enable a smarter electric grid, promote cleaner power sources, and replace aging infrastructures. On February 17, 2009, these issues came into even sharper focus when U.S. President Obama signed into law the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

This far-reaching legislation provides extensive funding for many energy initiatives - including programs that support transmission and smart grids, renewable energies, and clean-coal technologies. However, utility executives face strict compliance guidelines associated with the stimulus plan and ongoing environmental policies.

This SAP Executive Insight examines specific concerns that confront utility executives in today's economy. Further, it describes how gaining greater business visibility and transparency can enable organizations to execute decisively and effectively in this challenging climate. Such clarity can help executives answer the following key questions:

• How can we optimize energy efficiencies internally and with our customers?
• How can we best meet the mounting challenges of sustainability and increasingly complex government regulations?
• How can we maximize today's assets and build adaptable infrastructures for the future?