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Spain’s Antitrust and Energy Watchdog to Release Blackout Report Without Blame

By  |  March 17, 2026
Spain

Spain’s antitrust and energy regulator, the CNMC, is preparing to release a long-awaited report on last year’s widespread blackout across the Iberian Peninsula, but the document will stop short of identifying those responsible for the disruption.

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    The outage, which struck Spain and Portugal on April 28, left extensive areas without electricity for as long as 10 hours and prompted several investigations by authorities and the national grid operator. According to Reuters, the blackout raised concerns about the resilience of the region’s power infrastructure and the coordination among energy system operators.

    Speaking before senators on Tuesday, CNMC President Cani Fernández said the forthcoming report would focus on findings and recommendations rather than attributing blame. According to Reuters, she emphasized that the agency’s regulatory and technical tools are adequate to oversee and manage the electricity system effectively.

    Fernández noted that a separate investigation remains underway to determine whether all parties involved in operating the power system met their obligations before, during, and after the outage. Per Reuters, that inquiry could result in penalties if any breaches are identified.

    She has previously indicated that fines for “very serious infractions” could reach as much as 60 million euros ($69 million), underscoring the potential consequences of regulatory failures.

    During the hearing, Fernández also rejected criticism that the CNMC had been slow to implement regulatory updates, including changes to voltage control requirements aimed at increasing the participation of renewable energy sources in the grid. According to Reuters, she defended the agency’s record, stating that it had acted appropriately in carrying out its duties.

    “We have not committed any omission,” Fernández said.

    The CNMC’s report is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen grid reliability and prevent similar disruptions in the future, even as questions about accountability remain under separate review.

    Source: Reuters