A method of storing data in a utility monitoring system includes monitoring a characteristic of a utility system in an intelligent electronic device (IED) to produce monitored characteristic values that are buffered in the IED. The IED is communicatively coupled to a server via a network. The monitored characteristic values are indicative of the characteristic. The method further includes storing a first monitored characteristic value of the buffered monitored characteristic values periodically at a first logging interval in a memory of the IED. The method further includes storing a second monitored characteristic value of the buffered monitored characteristic values periodically at a second logging interval in the memory of the IED in response to satisfying a criterion. The second logging interval is distinct from the first logging interval.