In recent weeks, concern has been growing in Spain over instability in the national energy system. The operator Red Eléctrica has reported dangerous voltage fluctuations that could lead to large-scale power outages. This situation forced the company to appeal to the regulator for an urgent review of several procedures to prevent a repeat of the April incident, when the country narrowly avoided a blackout.
For two weeks, specialists have recorded unusually sharp changes in network parameters. According to experts, such spikes could trigger outages for both consumers and producers. The issue has become especially acute amid the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, which are difficult to control in real time. As a result, traditional power plants do not always manage to compensate for sudden shifts in load, posing a threat to the stability of the entire system.
Responding swiftly to the situation, Red Eléctrica submitted a request to the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) for urgent amendments to four key network management protocols. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the regulator reduced the standard review period to five days and opened the proposals for public consultation. The document notes that even when voltage remains within permitted limits, rapid fluctuations may lead to widespread outages, as has already happened this spring.
At the same time, the Renewable Energy Control Center (Cecre) sent instructions to solar and wind plant operators across the country to limit the rate at which they increase output. Now, ramping up from minimum to maximum generation must take at least 15 minutes instead of the previous two. Despite official statements claiming these measures are not related to overvoltage control, many in the industry believe otherwise.
Spanish authorities are also involved in the process. The Ministry for the Ecological Transition has instructed the operator to act within its authority, while CNMC was told to step up oversight of the implementation of the new rules. The government emphasizes that, for now, grid parameters remain within allowable limits and more traditional power plants have been brought online to maintain balance. However, some experts believe that the reduction of conventional generation in April may have been one reason for the recent disruptions.
According to the regulator, the introduction of new protocols could lead to higher electricity costs for households and businesses. The CNMC warns that such measures may reduce market competition and increase costs for end users. At the same time, the changes are temporary and will be reviewed as the situation stabilizes. Red Eléctrica is required to update the regulator daily on the results and impact of the new rules. If the threat persists, the restrictions could be extended.
The current situation is driven by the rapid increase in renewable power plants, especially in certain regions of the country. Weather conditions and the demand-supply balance now resemble those seen in April, when the system was on the verge of failure. The operator emphasizes the urgent need for action to prevent a recurrence of critical events and to ensure uninterrupted grid operation.
