Energy shortages in Asia and South America have forced governments to impose restrictions and set limits on power consumption. In these countries, many industrial, commercial and residential buildings have to turn off power for several hours each day to preserve energy. Billions of dollars have been lost due to business interruptions and loss of productivity.

Power failures, power shortages, blackouts, escalating power costs, natural disasters, wars and terrorism are all contributing to energy crises worldwide, and are fast becoming a fact of our lives today. These energy crises have become a global catastrophe. The recent widespread blackouts in Brazil not only devastated its economy, but also resulted in a rampage of crime and the loss of human lives.

Energy crises are not confined to the less-developed countries of the world. Even the United States -- the most powerful nation in the world

is not immune to it! The recent energy crisis in California devastated not only the local economy but also impacted the whole nation. This is only the tip of the iceberg. The collapse of Enron, the largest power marketing company in the world -- the shutting down of power plants and the failing of utility companies in the United States and elsewhere, are but a few examples of casualties caused by energy in crisis. 

The most viable solution - and also the most practical and economical -- is to convert power usage from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC).

A shortage of generating capacity, peak demand deficits, outdated and inadequate power delivery infrastructure, inefficient power utilization, population growth, and industrialization and increased consumer demand have all added to power shortages and escalating power costs.

Building large, new generating facilities and larger-capacity transmission lines requires considerable time and great cost. Environmental issues are also problematic. This has made it difficult, if not impossible, for governments as well as the private sector to come up with viable solutions.