These new procedures are in addition to a previous case against Red Eléctrica and another against the Almaraz-Trillo nuclear power plant, all within the framework of the investigation into the major power blackout. The CNMC aims to determine if Red Eléctrica failed in its duties as an operator, causing harm to the system or users during the incident.
Of the 34 recent cases, 18 affect Iberdrola and 12 affect Endesa, with separate files for different installations. The remaining proceedings have been opened against TotalEnergies, Engie Cartagena, ContourGlobal La Rioja, and Ascó-Vandellòs. Despite the investigations, Competition has assured that none of the 34 alleged infractions posed a risk to the security of supply.
The accusations, except in the case of Ascó-Vandellòs, refer to carrying out activities without the pertinent authorization, lack of adequate maintenance of facilities, or the use of instruments that endanger safety. In the case of the Catalan nuclear power plant,
offers with abnormal or disproportionate values to unduly alter market generation or cancellation units
are being investigated. The CNMC has reiterated that the blackout had a
multifactorial origin
and that the investigated facts
do not, by themselves, imply the attribution of the origin or cause
of the events of April 28 to the affected companies. The sanctioning procedures have a maximum duration of between nine and eighteen months, depending on the severity of the infraction, and the companies will be able to submit allegations.
