Following complaints from consumer associations Facua and Con Málaga about a "massive power outage" potentially affecting a thousand residents, Endesa has clarified that the service interruption is limited to users illegally connected to the grid. The measure, implemented in early July with the support of the National Police, was taken due to the "serious risk of fire or electrocution" detected in the irregular connections. Out of 131 inspected points, 102 were found to have electrical fraud.
An Endesa spokesperson explained that affected users must now regularize their situation by proving compliance with current regulations and that their installations meet standards to restore supply. The company assures that the cut is solely aimed at "ensuring the safety" of individuals and buildings.
For their part, Facua has sent letters to Endesa, the Department of Industry, and the Málaga City Council requesting measures to resolve the issue. Con Málaga, estimating the number of affected residents at around a thousand, has demanded the "immediate restoration of supply."
The president of Facua in Málaga, Dolores García, acknowledged the complex situation and the possibility of fraudulent connections but warned that "an entire neighborhood cannot be criminalized." Her argument aligns with that of Con Málaga, whose spokesperson, Nicolás Sguiglia, stated that the electricity company's justification cannot be a reason to leave entire families without power during a heatwave, preventing the use of essential appliances like refrigerators or fans.
According to a press release from Facua, the power cut affects Cabriel and Concejal Pedro Ruiz García streets, with interruptions beginning on June 30. The association highlights that the lack of energy endangers residents' health, particularly vulnerable individuals, and affects those dependent on electricity for medical equipment. Facua criticizes Endesa for not publicly disclosing the reasons or procedures for this action.
Con Málaga views the supply interruption as "transcending a technical problem to become a matter of basic rights," urging for the regularization of existing connections without leaving hundreds of families without essential services, especially during a period of high temperatures.
