Endesa has activated a special contingency plan in Tenerife to strengthen the electrical network and minimise the risk of incidents during the visit of Pope León XIV to the island, scheduled for next Friday, 12 June.
The company explains that the plan aims to ensure the continuity of electrical supply at the locations where the main events of the papal agenda will take place, and to speed up the response in case of any faults.
Special Surveillance at Visitor Hotspots
The plan identifies priority facilities that power the areas where the most significant events of the visit will occur. These include the area surrounding the migrant centre at Las Raíces in La Esperanza; the Plaza del Cristo in La Laguna, where an event with social entities is planned; and the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where a large mass will be held.
Endesa will provide special monitoring of the electrical infrastructures connected to these locations. The company will also take into account the expected mobility restrictions on that day on the island’s main roads, allowing technical teams to be positioned in strategic areas.
The visit of Pope León XIV has prompted the Government of the Canary Islands to declare a situation of pre-alert starting this Monday, aimed at coordinating preventive measures in anticipation of high concentrations of people. This situation will escalate to alert on 11 and 12 June, coinciding with the Pontiff’s stay in the Canaries.
Technical Teams in Santa Cruz and La Laguna
The plan includes the presence of technical teams with specialised personnel prepared to respond to any incidents related to electrical supply. These teams will be located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna, two municipalities where many of the day’s events and movements will concentrate.
Moreover, Endesa will monitor the weather forecast daily to anticipate any necessary actions. The plan accounts for scenarios related to maximum power peaks, high temperatures, heavy rainfall, storms with electrical activity, or wildfires, among other circumstances.
Network Reconfiguration and Pre-tests
To enhance the resilience of the electrical system, the plan includes a reconfiguration of the network and intensified monitoring of the substations and distribution centres involved.
The company has also conducted simulations on the medium-voltage network to verify its feasibility during the expected demand during the visit. Additionally, tests at various transformation centres have been carried out to assess their functionality and identify potential needs before the events take place.
The electrical reinforcement complements other measures adopted by authorities and agencies involved to ensure the day proceeds under the best possible safety conditions.
