Spain and Portugal Grapple with Massive Power Outage: Restoration Efforts Underway

April 28, 2025

On April 28, 2025, a massive power outage struck Spain and Portugal, affecting millions across the Iberian Peninsula and parts of southern France. The blackout, which began around 12:33 PM CET, disrupted transportation, communication, and essential services, leaving cities like Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona in disarray.

Spain's national electricity operator, Red Eléctrica, described the incident as "exceptional and totally extraordinary," estimating that full power restoration could take between six to ten hours. Partial recovery had begun in some regions by early afternoon, but complete normalization was expected to extend into the evening.

In Portugal, the situation remained uncertain, with grid operator Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) stating it was still impossible to predict when the situation would be normalized. The blackout halted metro services, disrupted traffic lights, and affected mobile networks, causing significant challenges for residents and emergency services.

The cause of the outage is still under investigation. While some reports suggest that extreme temperature changes led to a rare atmospheric phenomenon causing severe oscillations in high-voltage lines, authorities have not confirmed this as the definitive cause. Both Spanish and Portuguese officials have ruled out cyberattacks at this stage.

The European Commission has expressed support, with President Ursula von der Leyen stating that the Commission is monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to help restore the electricity system. Emergency meetings have been held in both countries to address the crisis and coordinate response measures.

As restoration efforts continue, residents are advised to stay indoors, conserve energy, and follow updates from local authorities. The incident underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness in the face of unforeseen disruptions.