On August 7, 2003, one of the largest power outages in North American history occurred, affecting parts of the U.S. and Canada. The blackout, which lasted up to four days in some areas, impacted more than 50 million people. It was caused by a combination of technical failures, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of coordinated response. The outage disrupted daily life, halting transportation and causing widespread panic. The event led to significant changes in the management of power grids and energy infrastructure.