INCREASED RELIABILITY OF THE GRID AND BETTER QUALITY OF SUPPLY

In 2009, IBERDROLA undertook investments in the IBERDROLA Distribución Eléctrica, S.A. network totalling €546 million. This investment was mainly aimed at making the power supply safer and more reliable, reducing the environmental impact of the installations and guaranteeing fulfilment of demand, and implementing new networks, including the so-called 'smart networks', which are capable of tackling future challenges: guarantee a top quality supply, support the gradual commissioning of renewable energy facilities, and open the way for the implementation of electric vehicles.

IBERDROLA’s electricity distribution TIEPI indicator (Equivalent Installed Power Cut Time) in 2009 to 1.38 hours(*), compared to 1.62 the year before. This value means 99.98% power supply availability.

As regards gas distribution, IBERDROLA has started to distribute gas in several towns in Madrid and continues to work towards improving the operational efficiency of the plants that IBERDROLA owns, Planta de Regasificación de Sagunto (SAGGAS) and Bahía de Bizkaia Gas (BBG). Both of these plants are the most widely used in the Spanish gas system due to their efficiency and excellent location.

In the R&D&i area, the following actions should be highlighted: Cooperation with the Electric Power Research Institute (US) in energy efficiency and demand management; approval of the Open Meter (7th European Union Framework Programme), which aims to establish an open European standard for reading intelligent meters; and participation in the Vulcano, approved by the Ministry of the Environment, in conjunction with ADIF, to assess risks and environmental impact of new overhead power lines and railway tracks.

For more information, please view the Networks section.