An independent study reveals that the reinforced operations of Red Eléctrica (REE) following a major blackout incurred costs of up to 1.1 billion euros, impacting consumer electricity bills.
An independent study has estimated the costs associated with the reinforced operational measures taken by Red Eléctrica (REE) after a blackout on April 28. The total cost amounted to €1.1 billion, which consumers have borne through their electricity bills. This increased expenditure has raised concerns among electricity companies, which argue that there is no specific regulation governing REE's conservative strategy, leaving the operator to justify its procedures without oversight.
According to the analysis conducted by the consultancy firm Nera, the overall costs of technical restrictions—decisions made by the system operator to rectify network issues and ensure supply—rose to €3.3 billion in 2025, marking a €1.3 billion increase from 2024, representing a substantial 64% spike. The majority of this heightened expenditure was attributed to the reinforced operations implemented in response to fears of future blackouts.
The implications of these costs extend beyond immediate consumer impacts; they reflect the challenges faced by energy operators in balancing supply with growing demand amid infrastructure vulnerabilities. The reported figures raise critical questions about regulatory frameworks and the long-term sustainability of current strategies in maintaining energy stability in Spain.
