CNMC opens 35 new sanction files against power firms for practices outside blackout

Spain's CNMC announced on Friday 35 new sanction proceedings amid the probe into the April 28, 2025 blackout, though these concern different days or periods. Iberdrola faces 18, Endesa 13, and Almaraz nuclear plant one very serious infraction. The regulator states these facts do not attribute the blackout's cause, which was multifactorial.

The CNMC has raised the total to 55 sanction proceedings after the first batch of 20 announced on April 17, which included one very serious case against Red Eléctrica (REE) and others targeting Iberdrola, Endesa, Naturgy, and Repsol facilities.

The new files mainly hit Iberdrola with 18, Endesa with 13—including Ascó and Vandellós nuclear plants—and one each to Engie, TotalEnergies, and Contour Global La Rioja. A standout is the very serious infraction against Centrales Nucleares Almaraz-Trillo, managed by Iberdrola, Endesa, and Naturgy, for alleged "reduction of production or supply without authorization" under article 64.37 of the Electricity Sector Law.

Most new cases involve serious infractions for failing voltage controls without supply risk, similar to last week's. The CNMC specifies these practices, uncovered in the probe, occurred on "days or periods other than April 28, 2025" and do not determine the blackout's cause.

Endesa CEO José Bogas told Congress on Monday that many probes date back two years before the incident and he anticipated more files. Business sources call the openings "forced and rushed," suggesting many may be archived.

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