On April 28, 2025, a widespread power outage struck Spain, Portugal, and southern France, affecting telecommunications, transportation, and daily activities for millions. The incident began around 12:00 pm local time, causing significant disruptions. A remote worker in Lisbon describes the bewildering moment when their power went out, leading to a loss of connectivity and inability to communicate or work. The blackout forced daily routines to halt, emphasizing the vulnerability of modern reliance on technology for both work and communication during such unforeseen events.
Just after 11 a.m. local time yesterday I sent this message to my editor's Slack chat about that day's workplace stories for Inc.com. "Ok, bizarre situation just unfolding: There was just a big flash outside, and the entire house power went off." I peered out the window, then added "It's more than that, it looks like the street and town too." As I typed I watched my phone light up with WhatsApp messages from friends, so my next Slack was to inform my boss "apparently it's all of Lisbon" followed shortly by "...and all of Portugal."
Living just outside of Lisbon, my technology-packed smart home had been hit by a sudden power outage that blacked out nearly all of Spain and Portugal, as well as parts of southern France. Myself and tens of millions of other workers across the region suddenly had no power, and, worse, no internet.
In the 21st century, I could no longer to open the electric shutters on my windows, make sure my friends were all right, and I had no way to know if my son was going to be sent home from school.
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