In a troubling turn of events, Spain is grappling with a series of power outages that have raised concerns among residents and tourists alike. On May 8, 2025, the Canary Islands experienced a significant power cut, affecting tens of thousands of residents on the island of La Palma. The blackout was caused by a breakdown at the Los Guinchos substation, which occurred at 9:47 AM local time. Fortunately, power was partially restored within half an hour, with 40% of the supply back online by 10:17 AM. By 11:30 AM, the electricity grid was reported to be fully functional again.
This latest incident follows a nationwide blackout that struck Spain and Portugal just ten days prior, on April 28, 2025, which paralyzed activities across the Iberian Peninsula. Interestingly, both the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands remained unaffected during that massive outage. However, the recent power cut in mainland Spain has led to significant disruptions, including crashes in mobile phone and internet services, leaving thousands of Britons stranded.
In response to these events, British tourists heading to Spain are now being urged to carry cash as a precautionary measure. The recent outages have sparked alarm bells among travelers, who are wary of potential repeat incidents. The advice comes as the Spanish TSO, Red Electrica, continues to rely on combined-cycle gas plants to stabilize the grid, while curtailing renewable energy sources until the demand for power rises in the summer months.
Market participants have indicated that this reliance on gas is likely to persist, as the country grapples with its energy supply issues. "Red Electrica will likely continue calling more combined-cycle gas plants to generate while curtailing renewables to stabilize the grid until the country’s power demand rises in summer," noted sources familiar with the situation.
These ongoing power issues have put pressure on Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is facing calls from the conservative opposition to resign over his government’s handling of the energy crisis. Critics have pointed out the lack of clarity surrounding the causes of the recent blackouts, demanding accountability from the government. The General Director of Energy for the regional government, Alberto Hernández, stated that the causes of the initial fault leading to the La Palma blackout are currently unknown, which has only fueled the opposition's demands for answers.
As Spain navigates these challenges, the implications for both residents and tourists are significant. The recent outages have not only disrupted daily life but have also raised questions about the reliability of the country's energy infrastructure. Many are left wondering how prepared the nation is to handle its energy needs, especially with the peak summer season approaching.
For tourists, the advice to carry cash is a stark reminder of the potential inconveniences that can arise from such outages. With mobile services disrupted and access to electronic payment systems potentially compromised, having cash on hand may be essential for those traveling to Spain this year.
The recent events serve as a critical wake-up call for Spain as it grapples with energy stability and the need for a more resilient infrastructure. As the nation moves forward, the focus will likely shift to how it can better prepare for future demands and reduce its reliance on gas as a primary energy source.
In summary, the recent power cuts in Spain, particularly the one affecting La Palma, highlight the fragility of the country’s energy supply system. With the summer months approaching and power demands expected to rise, the situation remains precarious. Both locals and tourists are advised to stay informed and prepared as the government works to address these pressing energy issues.
