It is neat to try and follow which real-life events inspired the writing. In this episode, the repercussions of a failed attempt at getting a bailout for private businesses leaves Price and E-Corp over-leveraged and light on cash (IRL, the US chose to provide the bailout to banks and private companies). Price's solution to the cash problem was to pitch an idea about China lending money to E-Corp at a 0% interest. The brownouts/blackouts certainly brought back memories of Enron and its scandal (creating artificial shortages across CA).

Stage 1 was a targeted attack against a specific corporation. If Mr. Robot's plan scales up as it goes, then Stage 2 could have something to do with the sweetheart deal proposed by Price or national infrastructure (washington plant). IRL, Enron did its worst in California, but the damage was widespread. The next IRL event the show draws inspiration from would the rigging of LIBOR rates, which impacts loans, mortgages, and derivatives, since it is essentially the minimum ingredient/cost, the blood if you will, of global finance (just a few convictions, even now, years later).

Companies don't deal with trillions of dollars, but a couple countries do, and at this point, international (monetary) policy seems to be the only thing bigger in comparison to events in Season/Stage 1.

what a great show