Millions may lose power on November 17, but the global blackout is a myth
A mix-up involving a US test, a TV episode, and emergency kits has fueled viral claims of a worldwide power cut next week.
By Vanessa Lopez ·
Millions of people are expected to experience a temporary disruption in services next Wednesday, November 17, although the scale of the event is far smaller than social media claims suggest. The supposed global blackout is a false narrative born from a misunderstanding of official announcements and pop culture references.
The core of the rumor stems from a scheduled test by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission. These agencies have confirmed a national test of the Emergency Alert System for November 17, 2026. The exercise involves a brief interruption of some radio and television broadcasts for a test message. It does not include cuts to electrical power or internet connectivity.
The alarm gained traction online when users connected this US test to a clip from the 35th season of the animated series The Simpsons. In the episode titled "It’s a Blunderful Life," the main characters recall a major power failure in their town while looking at a calendar showing November 17. This coincidence sparked conspiracy theories on platforms like TikTok and X regarding a predicted global event.
A third factor added to the confusion. International civil protection campaigns routinely advise citizens to keep emergency kits with supplies for 72 hours to prepare for natural disasters. Social media users incorrectly linked these standard preparation tips to the rumored blackout, suggesting that the kits were specifically needed for the upcoming power cut.
Electrical authorities have clarified the situation to calm public anxiety. In Mexico, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has repeatedly warned against false information circulating online. The agency noted that many viral posts misuse institutional names to create fear among the population. Similar checks are being performed by other national grid operators to ensure their systems are stable.
Experts point out that a simultaneous global blackout is technically unlikely because national power grids operate independently. There is no single switch to turn off electricity across different continents at once. Authorities advise citizens to check official sources before sharing alarming content and confirm that no specific alert for a service interruption has been issued for the general public.
