This document discusses how utilities can learn from telecommunications companies to improve the electric grid. It notes that peak electricity demand has exceeded transmission growth, resulting in blackouts. Utilities have underinvested in R&D. Both industries can benefit from better demand response management, active consumer participation through options like home energy generation, optimizing asset usage, building self-healing networks, and cybersecurity. The telecom industry's SIP protocol and standards can help utilities implement automated demand response and smart home area networks. Forming a focused group through SIPForum.org could address common challenges by sharing knowledge between the industries.