On April 28, 2025, Spain experienced an unprecedented blackout that left millions without power, raising serious questions about the reliability of the country's electrical system. At 12:33 PM, a sudden loss of 15 gigawatts of power occurred, which accounted for approximately 60% of the electricity consumed at that moment, according to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The blackout not only disrupted daily life but also affected critical services such as rail transport and hospitals.
In the wake of the blackout, Eduardo Prieto, the director of Services for the Operation of Red Eléctrica, held a press conference to address the situation. He described the event as "absolutely exceptional," noting that such an incident had never occurred in the history of Red Eléctrica. Prieto confirmed that a cybersecurity breach was ruled out, stating that they had collaborated with the National Cybersecurity Institute (Incibe) to ensure the integrity of their systems.
The blackout was particularly striking given the assurances made by Beatriz Corredor, the president of Red Eléctrica (now Redeia), back in November 2021. During an appearance on the program Espejo Público, she confidently declared, "In Spain, it cannot happen" when asked about the possibility of a blackout. Corredor emphasized the strength and reliability of the Spanish electrical system, asserting that it was one of the best in the world. "We have a very diversified system, which makes it more secure and less prone to incidents," she stated at the time.
Corredor's remarks were intended to reassure the public amid concerns about energy stability in Europe, particularly as countries like Germany and Austria were implementing contingency plans due to energy crises. She urged citizens to remain calm, suggesting that there was no need to stockpile candles or gas stoves, as there was no imminent risk of power outages.
However, the recent blackout has led many to question her previous statements. The irony of the situation was not lost on the public, especially as many individuals had indeed stocked up on candles and other supplies in anticipation of potential power issues, reflecting a lack of confidence in the assurances given by the authorities.
The response from the government has been cautious. Prime Minister Sánchez has not ruled out any hypotheses regarding the cause of the blackout and announced that responsibilities will be demanded from all private operators involved in the energy sector. This includes Red Eléctrica, which is partly owned by the state through Sepi, and has significant stakes held by international investors like BlackRock and Spanish billionaire Amancio Ortega.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Corredor has remained notably silent since the blackout, leading to criticism of her leadership. Many have expressed frustration over her absence during a crisis that has been described as the worst in the company's history. Critics argue that her lack of public communication during this critical time raises questions about accountability and transparency within the organization.
Corredor, who has served as president of Redeia since February 2020, has a background in politics and real estate but lacks technical expertise in energy or critical infrastructure. Her leadership has been marked by a hefty salary, reportedly over 2.5 million euros since taking office, with her 2024 earnings alone amounting to 546,000 euros. This figure places her among the highest-paid executives in public companies in Spain.
In the aftermath of the blackout, many citizens are calling for a reevaluation of Spain's energy policies and infrastructure. The incident has sparked debates about the preparedness of the electrical system for emergencies and the need for greater transparency from those in charge. As the public awaits further explanations, the implications of this blackout may lead to significant changes in how energy is managed and communicated in the future.
As the situation develops, experts and citizens alike are keenly observing how the government and Red Eléctrica will respond to the fallout from this unprecedented event. Will there be accountability? Will the public's trust be restored? Only time will tell as investigations continue and the implications of this blackout are fully understood.
