Two sprawling public networks—power lines and highways—account for 70% of all the primary fuel we burn. Rather than meddle with the efficiency of our private cars and air conditioners, the authorities should focus on better traffic management in these effectively public spaces that we use collectively. In terms of average daily demand, we have plenty of boilers, turbines and power lines to supply electrons to our toasters. The crises hit during four afternoon hours on hot days, when air conditioners kick in and loads peak. It's much the same on the road: We've got plenty of asphalt, except for four horrible hours a day, when engines idle in gridlock. It's a four-hour energy crisis out there. The rest of the day, we're cruising.
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