Lights Out (PDF)

A behind-the-scenes exposure why our electricity system is headed
for a state of emergency-and what can be done to head it off

Most people don't realize that skyrocketing global energy demand
and economic growth severely affect the supply of electricity.
Between production (power plants) and delivery is an antiquated,
"third-world" transmission grid that is in desperate need of
hardening against breakdowns, terrorist attacks, inadequate
carrying capacity, and operational obsolescence. And while
electricity doesn't hold the headlines or dramatic power of oil,
the ability to ensure its uninterrupted supply at a reasonable
price is even more essential to global survival and prosperity.
Lights Out is today's most detailed, in-depth examination of this
largely unreported looming energy crisis. Written by one of the
world's top electricity industry experts, this powerful book covers
numerous hot button economic and political issues-free markets
versus regulation; energy independence versus foreign imports;
nuclear power, global warming, and other environmental issues; and
much more. Beyond just uncovering and illuminating the problems,
however, it proposes a comprehensive road map of technical
solutions and regulatory reform from both the production and demand
sides of the equation-a framework for rethinking, rebuilding, and
enhancing the entire electricity production and delivery
infrastructure. Prescriptive and provocative, Lights Out will
redefine the simmering debate on how the world can-and must-act now
to head off a global catastrophe, one that could eventually wreak
even more havoc than the ongoing oil crisis.

Jason Makansi is the President of Pearl Street, Inc., a
consulting firm; Principal of PS Liquidity Advisors, an advisory
service for energy technology companies raising capital; and
Executive Director of the Energy Storage Council, a public-policy
advocacy organization. A prolific author, respected industry
thought leader, and seasoned communicator, Mr. Makansi has been
analyzing the technological, business, and regulatory issues in
electricity production and delivery for over twenty-five years. He
earned a BS in chemical engineering from Columbia University. His
earlier books include An Investor's Guide to the
Electricity Economy, also published by John Wiley & Sons,
and Managing Steam: An Engineering Guide to Commercial,
Industrial, and Utility Systems.