Spolaore teaches macroeconomics and political economy - a course about the interaction between economics and politics. At the root of the problem is a large gap between supply and demand for electricity at current prices. Plans were made under the assumption that there would be plenty of cheap power for everybody. But the economy boomed in California over the past few years, and demand for electricity skyrocketed, while supply stagnated. The answer is controversial.
Some people blame tight environmental regulations, but others question that view.
Then, demand would go down, and shortages will disappear. Once price controls were eliminated, those lines disappeared. In principle, it could. Overall, I don't expect a California-style crisis in Rhode Island any time soon. Well, blackouts will probably be reduced or eliminated the painful way, that is, through higher retail prices for most consumers.