Peter Tertzakian, Chief Energy Economist, ARC Financial Corp., will present a seminar in the MIT Energy Initiative's Natural Gas Speaker Series. Abstract: An energy break point occurs when there is significant change in the way that a society consumes its energy or is supplied its energy. Over the course of history there have been numerous such break points-globally, nationally or regionally. A classic example of an energy break point in the 19th century was the transition from whale oil to crude oil as a fuel for lighting. More recent examples include the emergence of nuclear power and liquefied natural gas into the world's energy supply chains. Energy break points are not common events, yet today the dynamics unfolding around us - economic, political, technological and environmental - signal that we are once again entering a period of such radical change. While the renaissance in renewable energy is at the forefront of discussion, in the background there is a major break point underway in North America's natural gas supply. What are the catalysts for energy break points? How is the supply of natural gas changing in the United States and Canada. What are the implications of the current break point to overall energy supply, energy security, environmental sustainability and prosperity? This presentation will explore these and other questions and distil conclusions about future energy scenarios.