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On Monday, 28 April 2025, large parts of Spain, Portugal and southern France experienced one of the most massive power outages in recent years. Cities and municipalities on the Costa Blanca were also Alicante, Benidorm, Dénia, Altea, Jávea, Calpe and Teulada-Moraira were completely without power at times. Traffic lights failed, trains and trams came to a standstill, supermarkets and small shops had to close at short notice. Nevertheless, the situation remained largely orderly despite the exceptional situation.
According to the latest information from the Spanish electricity grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE) Within a few seconds, there was a sudden loss of around 15 gigawatts - around 60 % of the total national electricity demand. This extreme drop in load led to automated protective shutdowns throughout the entire interconnected grid.
At the same time, the Portuguese operator REN, that unusual atmospheric phenomena - possibly strong temperature differences - had contributed to instabilities in high-voltage lines.
The authorities have ruled out a cyber attack. The exact causes are still being investigated.
On the Costa Blanca, it was above all the well-organised information chainsPolice, fire brigade and the town halls of the affected cities provided information about the situation quickly, clearly and transparently via social networks, local radio stations and emergency channels.
Traffic diversions were set up, mobile radio stations were activated and citizens were asked to avoid unnecessary journeys. This calm and professional communication played a key role in preventing panic and keeping the situation under control.
Today, 29 April 2025, the power supply is restored in almost all towns on the Costa Blanca.
The Town halls of Dénia, Benidorm, Altea and Jávea have decided on special measures for today to enable an orderly return to everyday life:
Schools remain open, but it finds no regular lessons takes place. Attendance primarily serves the purpose of supervision, not the curriculum.
Administrations and public institutions work to a limited extent, but can still be reached.
Traffic lights and Public transport are largely stable again, but special caution is advised in road traffic.
Citizen services and information centres remain staffed throughout the day to quickly answer enquiries about power supply, transport and assistance services.
Yesterday's power outage showed once again how closely modern societies are linked to the energy supply. However, panic does not help in such situations.
With good information, composure and a little preparation, even major disruptions are much easier to deal with.
