Massive power disruptions sweep across Spain and Portugal.

Spain and Portugal faced a massive power outage on Monday, halting daily life and causing chaos across the Iberian Peninsula.struck the regions around 12:30 PM Central European time, leaving tens of millions in darkness. As the cause of the outage remains unclear, officials across the affected countries have been scrambling for answers.

Initial theories point to a fault in Spain's electrical grid caused by extreme temperature variations leading to anomalous oscillations in high-voltage lines, known as "induced atmospheric vibration." These oscillations were said to have caused synchronization failures between the interconnected European electrical systems, resulting in widespread disturbances.

However, other explanations make their rounds, including fluctuations in the electrical grid, with two significant disconnection events noted before the blackout. Portuguese grid operator REN suggested a fire affecting an extra-high-voltage power line in southern France as a potential cause, but French authorities later dismissed this theory.

In an attempt to restore order, Spanish and Portuguese officials have assured the public that there are no indications of a cyberattack, and grid operators across both countries are working tirelessly to find the root of the outage. President António Costa of the European Council communicated with the leaders of Spain and Portugal, and all agreed that an emergency meeting was necessary.

As of Monday evening, parts of northern and southern Spain had experienced electricity being restored with help from Morocco and France. By Monday night, Spain's national power company, Red Eléctrica, announced over 50% of the electricity supply had been restored, and Portugal's electricity and gas supplier, REN, announced power had been reconnected to important substations near Lisbon.

The blackout briefly affected France as well, but power has since been restored. Despite these incremental successes, others remain in the dark.

In this time of uncertainty, people across the region have reacted differently. Some were caught in long lines outside ATMs, stockpiling resources as they feared the worst. Others faced the predicament with calm determination, resorting to old-fashioned ways of living without electricity.

The lack of access to information and communication networks has been bewildering to many, with widespread problems connecting to the internet and phone networks across Spain and Portugal. In some cases, emergency services have had to adapt and improvise in order to help stranded individuals, such as rescuing people from elevators all day in the Spanish city of Valencia.

To prevent future occurrences, a commission of inquiry has been established, and the Spanish High Court is exploring the possibility of a cyberattack. Despite the ongoing chaos and confusion, hope remains as power is gradually restored across Spain and Portugal.

Sources

Eurogridmesh Daily Situation Report – 28th April 2025
Spanish and Portuguese Authorities Rule Out Cyberattacks as Cause of Power Outage
French Authorities Dismiss Theory of Fire Affecting Extra-high-voltage Power Line in Southern France as Potential Cause
As the Spain-Portugal power outage continues to disrupt daily life, theories surrounding its cause are numerous, including speculations of a cyberattack, but Spanish and Portuguese officials have thus far denied these claims.
In the absence of electricity, general-news sources have reported incidents of chaos, especially at ATMs where people have resorted to stockpiling resources due to fears of the unknown.
Simultaneously, crime-and-justice news outlets have highlighted the predicament faced by emergency services, such as rescue operations in Valencia to free individuals trapped in elevators.
Despite the ongoing disruptions, progress is being made; Spain's national power company, Red Eléctrica, has announced that over 50% of the electricity supply has been restored, and Portugal's REN has confirmed the reconnection of power to important substations.
To ensure such incidents do not reoccur, investigations are being carried out: a commission of inquiry has been established, and the Spanish High Court is delving into the possibility of a cyberattack, while Europe's grid operators work tirelessly to restore the power grid's stability.