Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
“`
Spanish power network operator Red Eléctrica dismissed the possibility of a cyber intrusion as the root cause of the power failures that paralyzed the Iberian Peninsula, while authorities revealed that three individuals had succumbed due to the blackout.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Claims Lives
In the small community of Taboadela, north-west Spain, three family members perished from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The victims were:
- an 81-year-old man
- his 77-year-old wife
- their 56-year-old son
The eldest member of the household relied on a ventilator, which malfunctioned when the power went out. Consequently, the family resorted to a petrol-powered backup generator, although the resulting fumes spread unnoticed through the house.
Cyber Intrusion Unlikely in Power Failure
Drawing from an inquiry conducted by the country’s intelligence agency, Red Eléctrica ruled out a cyber intrusion,
Director of System Operations at Red Eléctrica, Eduardo Prieto, affirmed the lack of evidence supporting a cyber-related incidence: “Since yesterday, we have received backing from the Incibe [National Cybersecurity Institute] and the CNI [National Intelligence Centre]. This morning, we could affirm there had been no breach of the Red Eléctrica control systems – capable of instigating the incident.”
Consequences of Power Outage
The power cuts resulted in widespread repercussions across Spain and Portugal.
Over 30 million inhabitants faced darkness, disrupted telecommunications, non- functioning traffic lights, and malfunctioning lifts. The disturbances impacted underground and railway services, which resumed operations on Tuesday.
The Iberian Blackout – Political Impact
Despite the progressive restoration of electricity in both nations, the governments of Spain and Portugal scheduled emergency meetings on Tuesday to evaluate the scenario.
In Spain, King Felipe VI oversaw the meeting. Subsequently, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez stated: “This must not recur!”
Sánchez pledged to hold private providers accountable and initiate enhancements to the power supply infrastructure.
The parliamentary spokesperson for the conservative People’s Party, Miguel Tellado, cautioned that Sanchez had not offered elucidation for the incident, despite his three public statements.
Tellado also expressed apprehension regarding the potential absence of a cohesive plan to prevent future crises.
Reaction of European Union Authorities
The European Commission in Brussels took note of a misleading news piece that misquoted its head, Ursula von der Leyen, suggesting the blackout was due to an assault.
“This instance truly exemplifies the extent of information manipulation and its adverse effects,” commented the commission spokeswoman.
The commission refuted assumptions linking the high percentage of renewable energy to the blackout. “The Spanish and Portuguese authorities are well-versed in managing considerable volumes of renewable generation within their power systems,” a commissioner explained.
Outcome – Power Grid Stability in Question
In Berlin, Nancy Faeser, the outgoing German Interior Minister, emphasized the need for fortifying critical infrastructure within the country.
She cautioned that while Germany remained unaffected in terms of power stability, the circumstances should serve as cautionary lessons for ensuring the ongoing security of essential infrastructures.
Faeser emphasized the swift re-introduction of regulations on the protection of vital infrastructures, aiming to execute binding European Union law.
“`