It also says that many of the unregulated power generators will need to broaden their fuel options, meaning they will look for other participants not just in the natural gas area but also in the wind, solar and hydro sectors.

FORBES: Utility Mergers Rising but Picking Partners is Tricky

The lines carry all the power corded phones need to function, and phone companies have massive battery banks and generators to back them up.

WSJ: Phone companies prepare for storm power outages