In the management of risk situations for the electricity system
Red Eléctrica and the Military Emergencies Unit strengthen their collaboration
The Chairman of Red Eléctrica de España, José Folgado, and the Head of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME - Unidad Militar de Emergencias), Lt. Gen. César Muro, today signed a collaboration agreement to regulate the coordination of joint actions in critical situations that may affect the correct functioning of the electricity system.

Under this agreement, which will have an initial term of two years, Red Eléctrica will install four electricity towers, one in each of the following Spanish air force bases: Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid), Morón (Seville), Jaime I de Bétera (Valencia) and Zaragoza to facilitate the training of UME personnel and allow a better understanding of these infrastructures.

Also within the framework of this agreement it is established that both entities, through a monitoring committee, will agree to carry out simulation drills, review the different possible scenarios and provide the necessary means to carry out these works.

The collaboration protocol will also help identify and facilitate the channels of communication between Red Eléctrica and the different units of the UME in order to improve the management and effectiveness of the joint actions envisaged to guarantee the electricity supply in emergency situations caused by inclement weather or unlawful acts by third parties.

Since the creation of the UME, this military unit has already collaborated with Red Eléctrica on different occasions. In March 2011, it took part in the repair of the Soto-La Robla line in the ski resort of Valgrande (Asturias) which had been damaged by heavy snowfall, and in December 2009, it intervened to restore a line in Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz ) affected by a wind storm.