This exceptional demand could have outstripped the distribution system's ability to respond. More extensive energy shortages normally result from a broader set of causes. For example, war in the Persian Gulf could create a severe worldwide shortage of oil. Drought in the Northwest could set the stage for insufficient winter supplies of electricity. Because shortages have different causes than acute system failures, they require a different response.
Demand needs to be restrained to meet available supply until supply can be increased.
Repairing facilities usually does not factor into the response. Unlike most acute system failures, addressing significant energy shortages requires substantial state involvement. Efforts center on getting the public to respond correctly by reducing energy consumption. State leadership in raising public awareness and educating consumers is critical. Allocating scarce energy supplies to ensure that essential service providers have fuel may also be required.