Puget Sound Energy's strategy unclear to some.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

As Puget Sound Energy Inc. considers plans to shed both its local utility crews and its regional transmission facilities, observers say the company is not doing a very good job of communicating its strategic vision of the future.

With the threat of deregulation still looming, Puget Sound Energy is attempting to carve out a niche as the area's primary distributor of electricity and natural gas, while simultaneously recasting itself as a technology company with emphasis on customer service software.

But Puget's long-term thinking remains a mystery to many analysts and industry watchers.

"One question a lot of people have is with the information flow from the top," said Earl Dunn, editor of the Kirkland-based industry newsletter Energy Navigator. "Information on what the company plans to do in regards to the long-term or even next year is very difficult to come by."

The company appears to be leaning heavily on its …