The modernization of a country’s energy sector begins with robust infrastructure, crucial for preventing blackouts and ensuring reliable electricity access under all conditions. Australia recognizes this need, as it embarks on installing 10,000 km of to achieve 100% electricity generation and distribution from renewable sources.
But what happens during a blackout? To understand the impact, let’s revisit a pivotal moment in history: November 9, 1965, the day of the first major blackout in American history.
The crisis began at 5:17 pm when a malfunction occurred at the Niagara Falls hydroelectric power plant. Within minutes, 30 million people across the northeastern United States, Canada, and Ontario were plunged into darkness.
Traffic lights went out, causing gridlock in the streets. Hospitals halted operations, waiting for backup generators to kick in. Runways were plunged into darkness, preventing planes from landing. An estimated 800,000 people were trapped in New York City subways, with thousands more stuck in offices, elevators, and trains. In response, 10,000 National Guardsmen and 5,000 police officers were deployed. Amidst the confusion, no one knew exactly what was happening, as radios also went silent.
The blackout lasted for approximately 12 hours, and while legend suggests a baby boom followed nine months later, no statistics have confirmed this claim.
