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Herefordshire Council has recently taken part in a major emergency planning exercise designed to test how local authorities would stay connected during a widespread power failure. This work forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience across the West Mercia area.

The exercise, known as Exercise Echo, simulated a situation where a large-scale blackout knocks out traditional communication networks, including phone lines, mobile networks and internet services. Emergency planners from Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire counties came together with volunteer radio operators to see how they could maintain critical communications in such a scenario.

In December 2025 teams set up independent radio systems on high-ground sites such as the Malvern Hills and Clee Hill. These specialist radio relays enabled councils’ emergency planning hubs in Hereford, Worcester and Shrewsbury to transmit and receive messages without relying on the usual infrastructure. The aim was to ensure that, even if power and commercial networks were down, information could still be shared between authorities, and help could be coordinated effectively for residents.

While the likelihood of a nationwide blackout is low, planners emphasise that the value of such exercises lies in preparing for any eventuality. Large-scale power failures can arise from severe weather, technical faults or system overloads, and they create significant challenges for local services trying to support vulnerable people or maintain essential functions.

Herefordshire Council is part of the West Mercia Local Resilience Forum (LRF), a partnership of emergency services, councils, health agencies and volunteer groups working together to assess risks and prepare for emergencies. The LRF’s work includes planning for threats such as flooding, severe weather, transport incidents and loss of critical infrastructure like electricity.

Exercise Echo builds on earlier tests between Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and planners say it confirms the potential to expand and improve these alternative communications systems as part of wider emergency preparedness measures.

For residents and businesses, the council’s broader advice on emergency planning is to be aware of community resilience resources and to have personal plans in place for unexpected events.

Note: Are Parish Councils responsible for the preparation of contingency plans in the event of local power outages?