On April 28, 2025, Spain experienced a historic blackout that left more than 50 million people without electricity. Although the Canary Islands were not directly affected, the alarm on the peninsula has rekindled fears about the stability of the electrical system, especially in southern Gran Canaria.
Over the past two weeks, Red Eléctrica has detected "sudden voltage fluctuations" in the Spanish electricity grid, attributable to the growing penetration of renewable energy and the slow response of dynamic voltage control systems. Although these fluctuations remain within established limits, the company has requested urgent modifications to its operating procedures from the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) to avoid a new blackout.
The electricity infrastructure in southern Gran Canaria, which supplies tourist areas such as Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Meloneras, faces particular challenges. High energy demand, driven by air conditioning, tourism, and water desalination, puts pressure on a grid that sometimes shows signs of fatigue.
According to recent data, the substations that supply the main tourist resorts in the municipalities of San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán have recorded peak loads exceeding 37%, well above the historical autumn average.
In response to this situation, Endesa has announced the construction of new substations in Gran Canaria to strengthen the electrical system. These infrastructures aim to improve distribution capacity and reduce the risk of overloads.
However, experts point out that, in addition to infrastructure investment, a comprehensive approach is needed that includes modernizing voltage control systems, improving demand forecasting, and promoting energy storage technologies.
Although the risk of a massive blackout in southern Gran Canaria is not imminent, the recent Red Eléctrica alert and the structural challenges of the island's electricity system require urgent attention. A combination of infrastructure investments, technological modernization, and efficient demand management will be key to ensuring the stability of the region's electricity supply.
