Blackout: Challenges and Preparedness
Blackouts, which are large-scale and long-lasting power outages, can significantly impact society. Planning for their consequences requires continuous attention from the state, its citizens, and the private sector. Due to the catastrophic potential of a blackout and the expected extent of its damage, unpreparedness can be extremely costly.
Neither Switzerland nor the EU are directly threatened by large-scale and prolonged power outages this winter; Ukraine is. The issues surrounding the security of power grids, energy supply, and energy security have received increased media and academic attention due to the recent crises as well as discussions about the energy transition. Nevertheless, the risk of a blackout continues to be largely underestimated in public discourse.
This analysis first describes what a blackout scenario entails and then examines the consequences before turning to preparedness measures that require the joint involvement of the state, citizens, and the private sector.