CNMC Demands Endesa Assess Connection of 141 Apartments in Estepona. The CNMC has ordered e-Distribución, a subsidiary of Endesa, to conduct a technical assessment of the possibility of connecting two residential complexes in Estepona to the power grid. Without electricity, residents are unable to apply for mortgages or move in.
A conflict has erupted in Estepona over two new residential complexes that still remain without electricity. The National Commission for Markets and Competition (CNMC) has ordered e-Distribución, a subsidiary of Endesa, to conduct a technical assessment of the possibility of connecting 141 apartments to the power grid within ten days and report the results to the municipality. This concerns the Alma complex with 72 apartments, where construction was completed back in May 2025, and the neighboring La Calera development with 69 apartments. Without electricity, residents cannot obtain occupancy permits, and banks are refusing to issue mortgages.
The cause of the prolonged situation was a lack of permits to connect to the grid, which, according to e-Distribución, were not processed in time by the developer and the municipality. The city authorities filed a complaint with the CNMC after the company refused to consider proposed alternatives, citing legal restrictions. Now the CNMC requires a technical inspection and an official notification of the results to Estepona's administration.
The company e-Distribución stated that they have already begun assessing the available capacity—specifically, 831.46 kW for both new developments. The company emphasizes that the CNMC's decision does not mean an automatic connection to the grid, but only obliges them to carry out a technical review and comply with all regulatory requirements. Representatives of e-Distribución note that they understand the concerns of future residents and promise to act as promptly and transparently as possible.
The Estepona municipality, in turn, claims it has acted strictly according to the law and has processed all necessary documents in a timely manner. City authorities emphasize that the issue of connecting new buildings to power grids is becoming increasingly urgent across the country. According to them, many municipalities and construction associations have repeatedly drawn attention to the insufficient capacity of networks and have urged the government to seek systemic solutions.
The problem of insufficient grid capacity affects not only Estepona, but also other regions of Spain, where new housing developments face delays due to infrastructure limitations. According to experts, the development of power grids is becoming a key issue for the further growth of the construction sector and housing provision. In this context, the situation in Estepona is reminiscent of other cases where infrastructure constraints have impacted daily life and residents' plans, as was the case, for example, with the appointment of a new coach at Athletic, which was recently reported in the article on staff changes at the club.
For reference: CNMC is an independent regulator overseeing competition and infrastructure access in Spain. Endesa is one of the largest energy companies in the country, and e-Distribución is responsible for electricity distribution in Andalusia. The issue of connecting new properties to the grids remains one of the most pressing topics for the real estate market and local authorities.
