Closure of Gatika-Lemoiz electrical lines: what changes in Bizkaia 2026

Key data

Two high-voltage infrastructures in Bizkaia cease to operate permanently. The General Directorate of Energy Policy and Mines has granted Red Eléctrica de España, SAU, the administrative authorization for closure of the electrical lines Gatika-Lemoiz 1 and Gatika-Lemoiz 2, both single circuit at 400 kV, located in the province of Bizkaia. The resolution, dated April 29, 2026 and published in the BOE on May 16, 2026 (reference BOE-A-2026-10657), represents the permanent deactivation of these electrical transmission infrastructures.

This closure is not temporary maintenance or a scheduled shutdown: it is a permanent decommissioning of two lines from the high-voltage transmission network in the Basque Country.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution authorizes the permanent closure of the following high-voltage electrical transmission infrastructures:

The closure implies the permanent deactivation of these two lines, which modifies the configuration of the electrical transmission network in the Basque Country. The resolution establishes that Red Eléctrica, in its capacity as system operator, must ensure that this decommissioning does not compromise the quality of electrical service in the affected area.

The action may be related to modernization or restructuring processes of the national electrical transmission network, although the resolution does not detail the associated replacement or renovation project.

Economic and operational impact

For companies with facilities in Bizkaia that depend on the high-voltage transmission network, this closure has direct operational implications worth analyzing:

• Change in network topology: The elimination of two 400 kV lines reduces the redundancy available in the Basque Country's transmission network. This may affect the capacity to respond to incidents.
• Supply security: The resolution obliges Red Eléctrica to ensure that the closure does not compromise service quality. However, companies with high energy dependency should verify whether their facilities are in the area of influence of these lines.
• Possible network restructuring: The closure may be accompanied by new infrastructure or reinforcements in other sections of the Basque network, which could mean changes in energy flows and access conditions to the network for large consumers.
• Impact on access tariffs: Changes in the transmission network may have indirect effects on access tolls and charges, although these adjustments occur through CNMC regulatory processes.

Who does it affect?

• Red Eléctrica de España, SAU: As the authorization holder and system operator, it is the main directly affected party. It must manage the closure ensuring service continuity.
• Large industrial consumers in Bizkaia: Companies connected to the high-voltage network in the area of influence of the Gatika-Lemoiz lines that may see their supply configuration affected.
• Electrical distribution companies in the Basque Country: Distribution companies whose medium-voltage network depends on substations fed by these lines may need to review their operation schemes.
• Companies with transmission network access contracts: Those with connection points in the affected area should verify whether their access conditions are modified.
• Renewable energy developers in Bizkaia: Generation projects planned to connect to the network in the affected area should consider changes in network topology.

Practical example

An industrial company in Bizkaia with direct connection to the distribution network fed from substations near the Gatika-Lemoiz corridor should act as follows:

1. Contact its electrical distributor to confirm whether the substation supplying it with energy is fed, directly or indirectly, by one of the two closed lines (Gatika-Lemoiz 1 or Gatika-Lemoiz 2 at 400 kV).
2. If there is dependency, request information about alternative supply schemes that Red Eléctrica has planned to maintain supply quality after the closure.
3. Review its business continuity plan to assess whether the reduction in transmission network redundancy requires strengthening backup systems (generators, UPS, interruptibility contracts).

This analysis is especially relevant for sectors with continuous processes (chemical, food, steel industry) where a supply interruption has immediate direct cost.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify dependency on the affected network: Verify with the distributor whether own facilities are in the area of influence of the Gatika-Lemoiz 1 and 2 lines. Request written confirmation.
2. Review network access contracts: Check whether access or connection contracts to the transmission or distribution network reference infrastructure linked to these lines and whether they require updating.
3. Evaluate supply security: Analyze whether the reduction in transmission network redundancy in the Basque Country requires strengthening own backup systems, especially in critical facilities.
4. Follow Red Eléctrica communications: Red Eléctrica is obliged to ensure service quality after the closure. Stay informed about changes in network configuration and alternative operation schemes.
5. Consult with energy manager or technical advisor: If the company has a high-voltage supply contract or direct access to the transmission network, review with a specialist whether the closure generates any modification in the technical or economic conditions of the contract.