So far, the cause of the blackout remains unknown, according to local media.
The widespread blackouts have plunged into the darkness of large strips of Spain, Portugal and even parts of France, leaving behind potentially millions of electricity.
So far, the cause of the power outage remains unknown.
The Spanish government made its first comment shortly after 2pm, saying Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez would chair the emergency meeting at 3pm today.
The Portuguese Cabinet also convened an emergency meeting in the prime minister’s residence.
Speaking to RTP 3, when asked about the possibility of it being a cyber attack, Manuel Castro Almeida said, “This possibility is possible, but it has not been confirmed.”
“I know that I cover several European countries, including Europe, Spain, France and Germany. I believe Morocco as well,” said Castro Almeida.
“But that’s unconfirmed information.”
Red Electrica, the Spanish national power transmission system operator, has confirmed power outages nationwide.
Red Ereclica said the power outages in Spain were “exceptional and extraordinary” and “takes up to 10 hours to repair.”
According to a statement on the website on Monday, Petroner, Spanish oil refinery, said all units at the Bilbao Oil Refinery were closed due to power outages in the country.
“The plant has been closed, with full safety conditions and all emergency systems operating correctly,” the company said.
The country’s collective population is over 50 million.
It was not immediately clear how many people were affected, but there have been ongoing reports of the subway network, telephone lines and signals not working.
People were unable to withdraw cash from ATMs, and stores selling generators sold out for customers to line up and buy.
Some apps were working, but I couldn’t make calls on Portugal’s mobile network.
Portuguese airport operator Ana said the airport has activated emergency generators. This could potentially maintain essential airport operations at Porto and Faro airports for now.
“In Lisbon, businesses are ongoing, but there are restrictions. So far, there has been no impact on the Madeira and the Azores airports,” he said.
Power outages on this scale are rare in Europe.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
