Is there a blackout coming? A quick fact check of the dates and headlines going around: November 17, the 90 day story, grid alerts and storms.
- No official notice we found gives a blackout date for Canada.
- November 17 is a US alert test, the 90 day story is a US base plan, and grid alerts are warnings, not outages.
- Storms are the real, regular cause of outages, so keep a 72 hour kit.
Several blackout stories are circulating at once. Here is each one, checked against what we could confirm.
"Blackout on November 17"
What is real: FEMA and the FCC scheduled a nationwide Emergency Alert System test for November 17, 2026, at about 2:20 p.m. Eastern. The message says no action is required. What is not: no official notice mentions a grid shutdown, and the Simpsons claim is unverified. See the full explainer.
"90 day blackout"
What is real: reports that the Pentagon told bases to plan to run for 90 days without outside power. What is not: a forecast of a blackout for the public. See the FORTRESS plan explained and the warning explained.
"Grid alert"
What is real: operators such as Alberta's AESO issue alerts when supply could be tight. What is not: a guaranteed outage. EPCOR says alerts often do not lead to outages. See Alberta grid alerts.
Storms and cold
These cause most real outages. The Government of Canada says to be ready for at least 72 hours. Start with the 72 hour checklist and your local guide.
How to check a claim
Look for a named agency, a dated notice and a second report. If a real grid event is planned, your utility and the Government of Canada will say so.
Backup power picks (Canada)
Size the unit to your own load first: see the sizing guide.
Quick comparison
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| BBLUETTI | Large lineup, expandable home systems |
| JJackery | Wide range, compact to home backup sizes |
Power stations and solar generators with fast charging. Compare capacity and warranty.
Larger capacity power stations that can run a fridge, with expandable batteries.
- Broad capacity range
- Expandable home-backup options
- Compare battery chemistry and stated cycle life
Popular portable power stations and solar kits for short outages.
- Has a Canadian storeHas a US store
- Small, mid and large models
- Compare capacity, output and warranty on the maker page
Quick answers
Is there a blackout coming?
We found no official notice of one for Canada.
Is there a blackout on November 17?
No official notice. It is a US alert test, per FEMA and the FCC.
What should I do anyway?
Be ready for at least 72 hours, as the Government of Canada advises.