The U.S. Department of Energy has approved billions of dollars to technology developers such as Silver Spring and a bunch of utilities to test and deploy smart grid technologies across the country.

FORBES: Silver Spring Networks Files IPO For Smart Grid Tech

While municipal water utilities are required to provide public reports of test results, bottled-water makers are not. (On the other hand, well water, which is found in many rural areas, isn't regulated as water provided by towns and cities is.) So although you may fork over a pretty penny for bottled water, that doesn't mean it's any better than what's coming out of your faucet.

CNN: Is your bottled water safe?

Utilities are notorious for taking a long time to test new technologies before making a purchase decision.

FORBES: A Software Startup Helps Utilities Decode Smart Meter Data

The blackouts came despite preparations by utilities, after what many power companies said was the worst storm ever to test their operations.

WSJ: Power Outages May Last Over a Week