Wow, what a day it was yesterday with the Spain power outage really causing havoc. It meant for us we had more time in the pool, thinking it was just a local power trip or essential work going on. How wrong we were. I’ve since seen people talking about how people rushed out panic buying, as though it was the end of the world!
Yesterday, Monday 28 April 2025, Spain and Portugal were plunged into darkness by one of the most extensive power outages in recent memory. The lights flickered off just after midday, and for millions, they stayed that way for hours. Trains halted mid-journey, traffic lights blinked out, and supermarkets descended into chaos as people scrambled for essentials like water, eggs, and milk .
Spain’s Interior Ministry declared a national emergency, deploying 30,000 police across the country to keep order as governments from the two countries convened emergency cabinet meetings. Outages on such a scale are extremely rare in Europe.
In Madrid, commuters found themselves stranded as the metro and train services came to a standstill. Elevators stopped mid-floor, leaving occupants anxiously awaiting rescue. Even the Madrid Open tennis tournament wasn’t spared—matches were suspended, and players escorted off the courts .
By late evening, power had been restored to over 90% of Spain, but the cause of the outage remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest a sudden loss of 15 gigawatts of power, leading to a disconnection from the European grid . While some speculate about cyberattacks, authorities have yet to confirm any definitive cause .
About 43% of Spain’s energy comes from wind and solar power, with nuclear accounting for a further 20% and fossil fuels 23%, according to energy think tank Ember, who also report 77% of Spain’s electricity was generated from low-carbon sources in 2024, well above the global average of 41%.
State Of Emergency Declared In Some Regions
Madrid, Andalusia, and Extremadura have so far requested the central government to take charge of public order and essential services, it has been reported.
Spain’s 17 autonomous regions typically manage local affairs independently through their own elected governments.
However, during major national crises, regions can request additional support from Madrid by invoking a state of emergency.
A Wake Up Call!
We have a gas hob, we have a gas barbeque too, so cooking wise we are fine. We have gas boiler for one of the bathrooms, so we had hot water and a hot shower. Luckily we also keep a spare Butane and also Propane gas bottle, just as part of our daily life.
We have tinned foods in the cupboards, so food was never going to be an issue.
With mobiles and internet down though, one thing we realised we need to look at is a battery powered radio. This Spain power outage really was unexpected and quite a shock to the country.
Why Cash Is King
So if you needed essential supplies, due to power cuts, trying to pay by card is not going to work. Popping to the cash machine with your bank card…. Is not going to work either.
Many shops and services may be unable to process card payments during power outages, so keep small denominations of cash for emergencies. Turning up to buy 10€ of essentials and only having a 100€ note is not really going to endear you to the staff.
🧰 Be Prepared: Your Blackout Survival Kit
If yesterday taught us anything, it’s that being unprepared isn’t an option. Here’s a checklist to ensure you’re ready for the next time the lights go out:
🔦 Light & Power
- Torches: Keep several battery-powered torches handy.
- Batteries: Stock up on various sizes, especially for essential devices.
- Power Banks: Ensure they’re charged and ready to keep your phone alive.
- Candles & Matches: For extended outages, old-school lighting can be invaluable.
💧 Water & Food
- Bottled Water: Aim for at least 2 litres per person per day.
- Non-Perishable Foods: Canned goods, dried fruits, and snacks that don’t require cooking.
- Manual Can Opener: Electric ones won’t be much use without power.
🩹 First Aid & Health
- First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptics, and any essential medications.
- Prescription Meds: Keep a week’s supply on hand.
- Hygiene Products: Wet wipes, hand sanitiser, and other essentials.
📻 Communication
- Battery-Powered Radio: Stay informed even when the internet’s down.
- Whistle & Torch: Useful for signalling in emergencies.
🛠️ Tools & Miscellaneous
- Multi-Tool: A Swiss Army knife or similar can be a lifesaver.
- Cash: With ATMs and card machines down, cash is king.
- Important Documents: Keep copies of IDs, insurance, and other vital papers in a waterproof folder.
What Caused The Spain Power Outage?
The first thoughts of a lot of people will be cyber attack, after all several countries fell victim to this.
According to The Guardian: The cause of the blackout remains unclear. Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro suggested the issue originated in Spain and the Portuguese operator blamed it on extreme temperature variations. Spain’s grid operator REE blamed a connection failure with France for triggering a knock-on effect.
Airports, metros, and ATMs were shut down. Flights were grounded, metro systems halted, mobile communications failed, and ATMs went offline. As of 6am Tuesday, over 99 per cent of power demand had been restored, according to Spain’s Red Eléctrica.
🏠 Final Thoughts
While we can’t predict if or when the next Spain power outage blackout will occur, we can prepare for it. Stocking up on essentials, having a plan, and staying informed can make all the difference. Remember, it’s not about panicking—it’s about being prepared.
Luckily, this didn’t happen in the cold winter months, that really would have been a different story!
Stay safe, stay ready, and let’s hope the lights stay on. Oh, if you have catch up TV, you can watch last nights episodes of the soaps, you missed.
