California's meddling root of energy crisis.

In mid-January, California ordered rolling blackouts for the people who live in that state. Having engaged in litigation with California regulators on environmental matters, I am not surprised. The political traditions of Califronia are such that the government there behaves as if it is an all-knowing nation unto itself. Unfortunately, today Californians must get in line for electricity and still wonder how it all came about.

All ongoing political hand-waving and finger-pointing aside, there is a simple Economics 101 answer to the situation. Just ask why there were long lines for everyday goods in the Soviet Union. Rolling blackouts and food lines result when demand …