According to the most recent decision by REN, which, after the blackout on April 28, opted to cut energy purchases from the neighbouring country, the interconnection capacity between Portugal and Spain, in the import direction, will continue to be limited to 1,000 MW between 9am and 7pm.

However, this limit is extended up to “2,200 MW in the remaining hours, during the period from May 12 to 19”, says the note published by the electricity grid manager on its website.

This measure is part of the ongoing stabilisation process of the Iberian electricity market (Mibel), following the widespread cut in electricity supply on April 28 that left Portugal and Spain practically without electricity, as well as part of France.

Closed airports, transport and traffic congestion in large cities and a lack of fuel were some of the consequences of the blackout.

The European Network of Transmission System Managers for Electricity (ENTSO-E) announced the creation of a committee to investigate the causes of this blackout, which it described as “exceptional and serious”, and which left Portugal and Spain in the dark.

This panel of experts will have to prepare a factual report that will form the basis of the final report by the deadline of October 28 this year. The final report on the investigation into the incident must be published by September 30, 2026, at the latest.