What are planned power interruptions?

Planned power interruptions are temporary suspensions of the electricity supply that are scheduled in advance. Unlike interruptions caused by faults or severe weather events, these interventions are planned beforehand, allowing potentially affected customers to be informed in advance.

Whenever possible, their duration is kept to the minimum necessary, and the electricity supply is restored as soon as the work has been completed.

Why are these interruptions necessary?

The electricity network requires regular interventions to ensure a safe, reliable, and high-quality power supply. Planned power interruptions help to:

• Strengthen the safety of the electricity network;
• Improve service quality and continuity;
• Replace or modernise equipment;
• Increase network capacity to meet current and future electricity demand;
• Integrate new connections and respond to the growing demand for electricity.

These interventions help make the network more resilient and better prepared to meet the challenges of the energy transition.

Planned maintenance works on the distribution network are carried out in accordance with Articles 72 and 75 of the Commercial Relations Regulation for the Electricity and Gas Sectors.

How does E-REDES minimise the impact of these interventions?

The electricity supply is only interrupted when absolutely necessary. Before scheduling an interruption, E-REDES evaluates different alternatives to carry out the work without affecting the electricity supply. An interruption is only implemented when it is required to ensure the safety of the work or when no technical solution is available to keep the power on.

Interruptions affect only very limited areas. Whenever possible, interventions are restricted to a small geographical area. In many cases, the interruption affects only a single street, part of a street, or a small group of buildings. Therefore, the reference to a parish or locality does not mean that the entire area will be without power.

The number of affected customers is kept to a minimum. On average, planned power interruptions affect around 2,000 of E-REDES’ 6.5 million customers each week, representing only a small share of its total customer base.

Customers are informed in advance. Whenever up-to-date contact details are available, E-REDES notifies potentially affected customers in advance by text message and email, allowing them to prepare for the interruption.