Competition now updates the anti-blackout rule

BarcelonaThe National Commission of Markets and Competition (CNMC) approved on the 12th a revision of the technical standards that regulate the operation of the electrical system and, specifically, voltage control, a standard that is key to avoiding blackouts like the one on April 28th. Although the CNMC approved it on the 12th, it was made public this Thursday after the reports on the origin of the blackout made by the Spanish government and Red Eléctrica, the system operator.

"On June 12, the CNMC approved a revision of the technical standards (operating procedures) that regulate the details of the operation of services for the operation of the electrical system (adjustment services) in order to modernize and provide a remuneration framework for the existing voltage control service," notes the market supervisory body. In fact, the current standard dates back to 2000, and Red Eléctrica had already requested that it be revised in 2022 due to the strong penetration of renewables.

"Synchronous (turbines) and asynchronous (photovoltaic and wind) generation already have voltage control obligations (since 2000 and 2014, respectively)," says the CNMC. "The CNMC has now completed the review of the technical control standards for the operation of the electrical system."

"This review introduces dynamism into the voltage control service and incentivizes capacity development to provide more resources across all generation and demand technologies. Local markets are also created for contracting additional capacity to make the service more efficient," adds the agency chaired by Cani Fernández.