Seventy-three percent reported they will have contingency plans in place by June 1999. Contingency plans address things like identifying alternate electrical power sources and transportation vendors ahead of time. Year-end gasoline lines and shortages at the pump could result from large numbers of people all attempting to fill up their vehicles just before the new millennium arrives. Many oil companies intend to increase reserves to address this possibility. Most major oil companies have posted Year 2000 readiness disclosures on their websites.
Some reports predict widespread power outages at the beginning of the year.
These predictions are not based on facts or rational analysis of information from the industry. Sporadic spot outages in some areas is a far more likely scenario. Prepare for this possibility as you would for an outage caused by a winter storm. Have a flashlight with fresh batteries available and plenty of warm clothing if you live in a cold area. Most experts predict only short-term power outages, if any.