California?s deepening energy crisis and the resulting rolling blackouts are no longer just a problem for the unfortunate few who have had their power turned off. It is a national crisis that will have an effect on almost every facet of American lives.

This ever-expanding problem has far reaching consequences that effect not only Californians, but also the health of the nation?s economy. Skyrocketing energy rates highlight the need for some sort of control over the system and also add to the imminent possibility of a national recession. California, itself boasting an economy larger than most European nations, is often the indicator of national economic trends. If the blackouts continue, and energy rates continue to soar, it could send our economy into recession, taking the rest of the nation with us.

Even without a recession, the effects of the energy crisis on our statewide economy will be detrimental to the nation. The energy shortage will expand, especially with the growth that the Western United States has been experiencing.

Further confusing the situation are the claims by many consumer advocates and industry analysts that the shortage of energy was created by energy companies to milk more money from consumers. These claims need to be aggressively investigated and if they are indeed factual, the companies need to be punished accordingly. These claims show us that it is fast becoming apparent that no one knows exactly what is going on, or how to fix the problem. This brings us to several questions that need to be answered by our state government and the utility companies that have been at the forefront of the energy crisis.

First, how did we get into this mess and who brought us the idea of deregulation?

According to Governor Davis, California?s foray into deregulation has been a “colossal failure,” but why was it pushed so strongly in the first place?

Additionally, why haven?t there been more power plants built to deal with the problem? Sure, there are environmental concerns with building power plants, but alternative energy sources are available and should be utilized to help with the problem.

Despite the blackouts, the Federal government is pledging limited help and Vice President Cheney is on record as saying this is a Californian problem that was created by California?s state government.

But there is a light at the end of the deregulation tunnel. With the legislature and Governor working day and night on a solution, we could end up with a statewide energy system that will be better (and cheaper) than it was before deregulation. And at the very least, Californians are now getting a hands-on lesson in energy conservation?one that should lead to increased conservation efforts for years to come.