US energy analysts predicted in early May that a nationwide shortage of coal could result in electricity brownouts in the northeast and west this summer. This forecast has already been partially substantiated as parts of California were plunged into darkness at the time of press, as high temperatures encourage the use of air conditioning.Underinvestment and record prices for natural gas and fuel oil are being blamed for the fact that utilities' stocks are at their lowest since 1974. Additional problems include the fact that coal trains in Wyoming, the largest coal producing state, are at their limits, requiring urgent investment. Meanwhile, the flooding of Massey Energy's major Appalachian mine in April has not helped the supply picture.
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