A day that would change the city
On July 23, 2007, Barcelona experienced one of its most notorious crises in the field of electricity supply, an incident that marked a before and after in energy management in the city. On a morning that seemed normal, a breakdown in the Collblanc substation triggered a fire in the substation of Paseo Maragall, leaving the dark to more than 300,000 neighbors for more than two days. The definitive solution to this problem would not come until months later, when it was decided to renew several supply lines.
Causes and consequences of the breakdown
The crisis originated when a high voltage cable fell into the Collblanc substation, causing a chain of incidents that would culminate in the devastating Maragall fire. To reset the service, a provisional connection had to be made involved in the installation of laptops to guarantee energy in hospitals, administrations and the media. More than 150 generators were deployed throughout the city, temporarily changing the urban landscape.
Mobilization of resources and safety
The City Council reacted quickly, mobilizing up to 800 police officers to lead traffic at a time when many traffic lights did not work. In addition, 200 citizen security patrols were deployed to guarantee public security during the most critical nights. The shops, as expected, closed their doors, suffering serious losses on a day that has been engraved in the collective memory.
Social reaction and compensation
After the restoration of the service, the process of compensation for the 80,000 affected subscribers began. On the same night as the off, the citizens expressed their frustration with a cassolada that resonated throughout the city. FECSA-Endesa, the company responsible for the supply, responded to the claims, paying between 60 and 300 euros to those who suffered a lack of electricity, depending on the interruption time.
The fines and future regulation
The following year, the Generalitat imposed significant fines on responsible companies, Red Eléctrica and Fecsa-Endesa, with sanctions that amounted to 11 and 10 million euros respectively. These fines were considered very serious administrative offenses. Although companies sought to appeal, the Supreme Court confirmed sanctions in 2015. This situation led to a standardization of the use of autonomous generating teams, a measure that has proven to be vital to future emergencies.
A legacy of resilience
Not only was this shutdown an episode of crisis, but also strengthened the city’s energy infrastructure and improved its preparation for future emergencies. Barcelona has learned to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity, transforming a negative experience into a learning opportunity for the community.
