Combining high-energy fuel with scorching temperatures is the specialty of Lilliputian's founders, Samuel Schaevitz and Aleks Franz.

FORBES: Pip-squeak Power Plant

Contrary to what many people may expect, most of these technologies, which include microturbines, fuel cells and high-efficiency cogeneration, rely on fossil fuels rather than renewable-energy resources like wind or solar energy.

FORBES: Perfect Power: Clean Energy's Killer App

And, because the economic value is high, markets want more and consequently drive energy demand in large measure without regard to primary fuel cost--the cost of energy fades in to the twilight.

FORBES: Demand-Side Economics

Randal O'Toole, a senior fellow with the CATO Institute, said it is far more cost-effective to save energy by encouraging people to drive more fuel-efficient cars than to build and operate high-speed rail.

CNN: Is the U.S. turning a corner on high-speed rail?

Democrats may have a tougher time at the polls in general next year: Green policies like the state's renewable energy mandate, cap and trade and a low-carbon fuel standard will start kicking into high gear in 2014.

WSJ: Allysia Finley: A Farmers' Rebellion Lifts the California GOP

The local authorities are expected to work with energy companies, installers, owner-occupiers and private landlords to ensure all households in areas of high fuel poverty receive an offer to have their home made more energy efficient.

BBC: Funding of ?60m to target fuel poverty areas in Scotland