Iberdrola and Endesa will take their 900 million battle against the CNMC over electricity tolls to the National Court this week
Iberdrola and Endesa are challenging the CNMC's electricity tolls in the National Court due to unprecedented electrical overbooking in Spain, risking thousands of new housing projects.
Iberdrola and Endesa are set to escalate their battle against the National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) by taking legal action in Spain's National Court this week. This comes in response to the CNMC's established electricity tolls, which the companies argue unfairly compensate investments made in electrical networks. The situation underscores a larger crisis in the Spanish electricity market, characterized by an alarming 'electrical overbooking' that has left the grid overwhelmed and unable to accommodate new supply connections.
The issue has reached a critical point as Red Eléctrica and various distributors grant more access to electrical networks than their capacity can handle. This has resulted in major concerns, especially for around 350,000 new homes currently at risk of halted construction, rendering projects unable to commence due to the grid's inability to provide necessary power connections. The implications of this legal battle could dramatically affect the future of energy distribution and infrastructure investment in the country, as both utility companies vie for regulatory changes.
Furthermore, Endesa is launching a significant investment plan totaling €10.6 billion aimed at expanding its network capabilities, which includes offering land and connection rights for data centers. The tension between these energy giants and the regulatory body reflects a deeper conflict in managing Spain's energy transition and accommodating growth within rapidly evolving technological demands. The outcome of this court case will be pivotal in shaping the landscape of Spain's energy distribution regulations for the foreseeable future.