We do have hydro electric possiblities here, as well as solar and wind. It is fairly easy to go back to 18th cen lack of dependance on power if a little harder day to day but for instence my mother didn't have electricity growing up and rarely went father than town. There are transportation options that require les energy that would alow us to use the resources we have for emrgency services at least conserve them longer. Bio-deisal and human powered are things he doesn't mention. Things will get more expensive but we are not looking at a total sudden break down in the culture despite our love of post apocoliptic lit.