This summer California came very close to running out of electricity.  During the hottest days, production was running at over 90% or capacity (normal is about 80%).  Even the dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers were running overtime.  A fossil fuel plant was ordered to remain in production in Spokane, and given an air quality waiver to do so.

Gasoline prices have spiked.  Some areas of the United States now pay over $2 for a gallon of gas.  Of course, that does nothing to compare with Europe and Japan's prices, which range up to $7.95 a gallon.

Are we really running out of energy sources?  Or is it something else?  One quote I have heard:

"The shortage of energy really comes from the shortage between our ears."   Anon

Is there really an energy shortage?  Or have we simply mismanaged earth's resources to create a shortage?  Can we find enough energy to keep the world going?  What else can we do so "the lights don't go out all over the world."

Have all the answers?  Then, ON TO PART II.