Heatwave brings power cuts in Spain

[hightime]

Spain has suffered its first power cuts of the summer, with a heatwave stretching what critics say is an already over-strained electricity network to breaking point.
Power cuts affected the southern city of Seville, with failed traffic lights bringing chaos to the roads yesterday and Monday as temperatures climbed above 40C (104F) across the south and west.

Sudden surges of demand from Spaniards and the growing number of tourists have provoked fears of a return of the power cuts that have blighted recent summers. The tourist regions of Catalonia in the north-east, Andalucía in the south, and the Balearic islands are often the worst hit.

Minutes before much of Majorca was hit by a seven-hour power cut last July, the local electricity company had urged people to reduce consumption, much of which was blamed on air-conditioning units and fridges.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/spain/article/0,2763,1250267,00.html

[ZR2]

1. Well I see *'s energy plan

has finally gone global.

[Kellanved]

2. Somehow I suspect Blachmail...

With all those Nuclear and Conventional plants planned under Aznar, some with very dubious financing. Maybe the need is felt to convince Zapatero of the necessity to go ahead with it.
Of course it is entirely possible that the situation is as grim as it appears ;-) .

[Juan]

3. So we must reduce consumption...

What about spending some money upgrading the electrical grid? :eyes:

[newyawker99]

5. Hi Sky!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Tight_rope]

4. Damn...were Ken Lay (Enron) and his crew close by! n/t

[Spinzonner]

6. Obviously Gray Davis's fault

who knew he had so much control in Spain