Portugal energy regulator: customers not entitled to automatic compensation for 2025 blackout

REN Redes Energeticas Nacionais SGPS SA

27/05/2026 09:04

    LISBON, May 27 (Reuters) - Portugal's energy regulator ERSE said last year's blackout that left millions without power was an exceptional event originating in Spain, and grid operator REN RENE.LS and distributor EDP EDP.LS do not have to pay automatic compensation to customers.
The unprecedented outage on April 28, 2025, which left large parts of the Iberian Peninsula without power for up to 16 hours, has triggered multiple investigations at the European level as well as in Spain and Portugal.
ERSE said in a statement late on Tuesday that the blackout was caused by "exogenous and extraordinary" circumstances originating in Spain that quickly spread to Portugal due to the integrated Iberian power system.
It said the disruption, which affected 6.4 million customers in Portugal, was beyond the two companies' control and did not result from any action, omission or breach of technical or operational obligations by REN or EDP.
Customers are therefore not entitled to automatic compensation for supply disruptions, it said.
ERSE said any further claims for damages would have to be pursued through the courts in Portugal or Spain by affected parties.
     

(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves;)
((sergio.goncalves@thomsonreuters.com; +351213509204; Reuters Messaging: sergio.goncalves.reuters.com@reuters.net/))