Spain’s automobile industry, Europe’s third biggest manufacturer, is not concerned about growing power-cut threats as the country struggles to meet soaring energy demand on the back of a scorching summer and one of its worst droughts in 58 years.
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Power-grid operator REE has cut service to industrial majors several times in the past two weeks. The action affected all consumers using the so-called interruptible contracts, a cost-saving option available under Spain’s fixed industrial tariff, and necessary to prevent an overstressed and investment-starved grid from collapsing. REE said the cuts are likely to continue as temperatures rise.
While some industries said the actions hurt their business, local auto manufacturers’ federation Anfac said car makers has been spared.
“We haven’t been affected so far although some factories had problems in the past,” an Anfac spokesman told just-auto. “Each factory has different utility contracts and is impacted differently.”
However, the industry is worried about a rising number of ‘micro’ power cuts caused by the aging network.
“This is a problem and we are lobbying the government to fix it,” the Anfac spokesman noted, adding that “quality and low-energy costs” is vital in the industry.
Renault and Nissan said they don’t use interruptible contracts in Spain and don’t foresee any problems.
Ivan Castano
