To be fair, OPEC has stuck together in limiting oil production fairly well in 1999. Just look at the rising oil prices. They have been poor performers for many years. The Internet will continue to help reduce the total mileage driven by individuals, therefore, cars will last longer. People have more money and are spending some of it on new cars but over the long-term it's best not to buy.
Many brokerages recommend owning stock in the utility companies.
California's electricity shortages in early 2001 show how little safety their can be in that industry and how government regulations can totally ruin a business. If their success will mostly depend upon favorable weather conditions. The risk overseas are much higher than in America. Avoid investing in all countries who put Christians in jail and sometimes to death for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. That would include many Muslim nations, like Afghanistan.