Darkness Falls Again: The June 10, 2025 La Palma Power Outage and What You Need to Know

Santa Cruz de La Palma moderate Difficulty

On June 10, 2025, La Palma experienced a complete island-wide blackout caused by a turbine failure that left over 50,000 users without power. This event highlights the practical challenges of energy stability on this volcanic island and essential tips to prepare for the unexpected.

Trail Tips

Carry Portable Chargers

With the possibility of sudden blackouts, ensure your devices remain powered by bringing reliable power banks.

Keep Emergency Contacts Stored Offline

Save important phone numbers and information on your device without relying on network access.

Have a Flashlight or Headlamp Ready

Whether exploring or moving around after dark, a strong light source provides safety and confidence.

Limit Use of Emergency Lines

Avoid calling emergency services unless absolutely necessary to keep lines free for real crises during outages.

Darkness Falls Again: The June 10, 2025 La Palma Power Outage and What You Need to Know

On the afternoon of June 10, 2025, the island of La Palma was plunged into darkness once more as a complete power outage swept across the entire territory. At exactly 17:32, the sudden shutdown stemmed from the trip of a generation turbine, cutting electricity to all 50,289 users across the island—from vibrant towns like Santa Cruz de La Palma to remote villages tucked in the volcanic ridges.

The growing frustration of residents and visitors was palpable: offices froze mid-task, homes lost their lifeblood, and public services came to a halt. This blackout was no small hiccup—it was a full island-wide event, unlike prior incidents that had only affected specific municipalities.

La Palma’s energy grid showed its vulnerability once again, reminding everyone that this island’s power network must grapple with challenges of volcanic geography and ageing infrastructure. With the disruption arriving as the day’s light was already fading, darkness embraced the island unexpectedly, revealing the quiet resilience of its people.

Authorities quickly urged calm. In-house emergency procedures kicked in advising everyone to avoid calling emergency lines for non urgent needs and to conserve mobile device batteries—a lifeline in blackout scenarios. Meanwhile, Endesa, the electricity provider, has been tasked with urgent recovery efforts, though no firm timeline for full restoration has yet been issued.

For travelers and locals alike, this outage serves as a reminder to plan for sudden energy interruptions. Pack portable chargers, flashlights, and keep essential documents and emergency contacts handy. While the island’s landscape—its towering volcanic peaks and Atlantic cliffs—dare adventure seekers to explore, its infrastructure calls for cautious respect.

La Palma remains a place of raw natural beauty intertwined with unpredictable elements, and the June outage adds a practical layer: appreciating the island’s wild side means preparing for the unexpected. As the sun sets, the island’s natural shadows grow longer in power’s absence, but the spirit of La Palma keeps pushing forward.

If your plans bring you here, factor in this electrical fragility alongside the dazzling landscapes. In an island where the power can cut out without warning, anticipation and preparedness ensure your stay stays adventurous, safe, and unforgettable.

Recommended Gear

Portable Power Bank

Essential

Ensures your phone and devices stay charged during power outages.

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LED Flashlight or Headlamp

Essential

Provides reliable light to move safely during unexpected darkness.

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Emergency Contact List (Offline Copy)

Essential

Helps you access crucial contact info without electricity or internet.

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Battery-Powered Radio

Useful for receiving news updates if mobile networks are down.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the La Palma power outage happen on June 10, 2025?

The outage was triggered by the trip of a generation turbine at 17:32, causing the entire island’s electricity supply to fail and affecting over 50,000 users.

How long did it take to restore power after the outage?

At the time of reporting, energy company Endesa was still working on restoring service. Recovery times depend on the extent of turbine damage and infrastructure assessment.

Is La Palma prone to frequent blackouts?

While recent months have seen isolated blackouts in towns like Santa Cruz and Los Llanos, a full island outage is rare but reflects ongoing grid vulnerabilities.

What should visitors do if a blackout occurs during their stay?

Visitors should maintain calm, preserve mobile device batteries, avoid unnecessary emergency calls, use flashlights, and follow local authorities’ instructions.

Are there backup power options for accommodations on the island?

Some hotels and key facilities may have generators, but widespread backup power is limited. Travelers should prepare for potential outages.

What caused prior outages that affected parts of La Palma?

Previous outages involved electrical faults that interrupted power in select municipalities but did not impact the entire island like the June 10 event.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • "Mirador de La Concepción offers a panoramic view away from main tourist tracks, perfect for sunset watching during outages."

Wildlife

  • "Watch for Canarian endemic birds like the laurel pigeon, which becomes more noticeable in quieter blackout moments."

History

"La Palma’s electrical network has historically struggled with challenges posed by volcanic terrain and rapid population growth, making grid upgrades a top priority for authorities."