The electricity supply has suffered a drop out in Portugal, France and Spain(Image: (Image: Getty ))

Spain and Portugal hit by major blackout plunging key cities into darkness

by · NottinghamshireLive

Spain, Portugal, and certain regions of France have been struck by a significant power outage, with disruptions reported in both Lisbon and Madrid. Spanish electricity transmission system operator RedElectrica confirmed on Monday that the entire Iberian Peninsula, encompassing Spain and Portugal, was impacted.

Additionally, there are indications that areas of France near the Spanish border have experienced power cuts.

RedElectrica is actively addressing the situation, which affects a population exceeding 50 million people. According to Spain's national broadcaster RTVE, a substantial power failure occurred in various parts of Spain around 12:30pm local time, affecting its newsroom, the Spanish parliament in Madrid, and metro stations nationwide.

Reports of the blackout also emerged from residents in Barcelona and neighbouring cities and towns through neighbourhood WhatsApp groups. In Portugal, a nation of approximately 10.6 million inhabitants, the power cut affected the capital Lisbon, its vicinity, and regions in the north and south.

Seville, a Spanish city in Andalusia, has also reportedly lost its electricity supply, reports the Express.

Electrical supplies have been hit in France, Spain and Portugal(Image: (Image: Getty ))

Spanish radio network Cadena SER reported that parts of Madrid's subway system were evacuated and traffic congestion ensued in the city centre due to non-operational traffic lights.

Portuguese energy distributor E-Redes attributed the outage to "a problem with the European electricity system," as stated by Portuguese publication Expresso.

According to Expresso, the energy provider E-Redes was forced to implement targeted power cuts to maintain grid stability. The disruptions reportedly impacted areas in France as well.

Mobile networks experienced disruptions in making calls, though select apps continued to function.

Unverified news sources claimed the Lisbon metro service was suspended, and traffic lights in the city's core ceased operating.

RedElectrica issued a statement via X, stating: "Plans to restore the electricity supply have been activated in collaboration with companies in the sector following the zero that occurred in the peninsular system. The causes are being analysed and all resources are being dedicated to solving it. We will continue to report."

As per Euronews reports, Madrid's Barajas International Airport faced a power outage. The power loss extended into Andorra, a small nation sandwiched between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, where locals also experienced blackouts.

Unconfirmed accounts hint that the disruptions may have extended as far north as Belgium.

The English language news site, Portugal Resident, reported power interruptions reached the southernmost Algarve region in Portugal. The Algarve is a preferred destination for many UK tourists and retirees.