The recent spate of heatwaves has had repercussions for the energy business, in the form of increased demand and blackouts (especially in California). The power companies, well aware that blackouts are bad for their reputations, are taking measures to lighten the load at times of peak demand, and to shore up aging distribution grids – and good on them for doing so. But until someone invents a more energy-efficient air conditioning unit, we’ll still be in the ironic position of using more energy to cope with the environmental situation that using too much energy has already created.