In the UK, contingency plans have been drawn up for a catastrophic power cut that could bring water supplies, mobile networks, the internet and transport to a standstill. One such scenario has been dubbed «Black Sky». As reported by the BBC on 7 November 2026, the British public broadcaster has its own emergency radio broadcasting plan, which involves mobilising around 100 staff and operating autonomously for at least 72 hours.
At the same time, the British authorities have not reported an imminent blackout or a specific threat to the power grid. This concerns preparations for emergencies, in particular natural disasters, technical failures and cyber-attacks, rather than declared preparations for a large-scale war.
- The UK has contingency plans in place to deal with large-scale power cuts under the «Black Sky» scenario.
- A power cut could disrupt water supplies, mobile phone networks, the internet, transport and payment systems.
- Around 100 BBC staff members will be providing emergency radio broadcasts.
- Back-up studios and radio transmitters are designed to operate autonomously for at least 72 hours.
- The British authorities have not announced any specific threat of a nationwide blackout.
What does the «Black Sky» plan entail?»
According to a BBC correspondent David Silitto, in the event of a large-scale power cut, the broadcaster must activate a special backup radio studio. Its operations will be supported by around 100 staff members, who will maintain communication with the public even in the absence of an internet connection.
The studio will have secure communication channels that are independent of standard digital networks. Its supplies of fuel, drinking water and food will enable it to operate for at least three days without further resupply.
Pre-recorded government announcements will be broadcast over the radio. These will contain practical guidance on drinking water consumption, waste management in the absence of a sewerage system, and other domestic needs during an emergency.
FM transmitters that do not rely on the internet will be used to ensure broadcasting. The radio masts are equipped with backup diesel generators with fuel reserves sufficient for approximately 72 hours of operation.
What would happen in the event of a large-scale blackout?
Long-term power outage may cause a chain reaction in the system’s operation critical infrastructure.
Without electricity, some water supply pumping stations, cash machines, payment terminals and telecommunications equipment will cease to function. There may be disruptions to public transport, shops and petrol stations.
The BBC reports on a large-scale power cut in Lancaster, UK, on 5 December 2015. At the time, around 61,500 people were left without power due to flooding. The city experienced problems with its water supply, transport and mobile phone networks.
At the same time, conventional FM radio remained one of the accessible ways of obtaining information. That is why it plays an important role in the UK’s contingency plans for large-scale emergencies.
How will communications work without electricity or the internet?
In the event of a major incident, BBC journalists will be able to report from regional response centres using satellite equipment.
Satellite phones have been provided to enable staff to communicate with one another. If these also stop working, pre-agreed communication procedures and designated meeting points will be used.
According to a BBC source, the backup system was initially designed to operate for five to seven days. However, the plans were subsequently revised to take into account estimates from the British power system operator, NESO, regarding the likely timeframe for restoring the power supply.
What the British Government said
On 22 October 2026, the British Government launched the ‘Be Ready’ awareness campaign, designed to improve the public’s preparedness for emergencies.
The authorities are advising Britons to keep at home a supply of water and food to last at least three days, torches, fully charged power banks, essential medicines and radios powered by batteries or a hand-crank generator.
The campaign is set to run for three years and covers preparations for storms, floods and other events that could disrupt the operation of public services.
The British Government had not announced an impending nationwide power cut. As of 8 November 2026, «Black Sky» remains an emergency scenario, for which contingency plans have been drawn up to maintain communications and keep the public informed.
