“We are preparing a set of measures to present on 28 July, although we do not yet have the final report with the causes of the blackout”, declared Maria da Graça Carvalho on the side lines of a visit to the protection works of the Baixo Vouga Lagunar, within the scope of the Congress of the Aveiro Region.

The minister indicated that the government intends to see the capacity for storing electricity increased, and for this reason is working on a “national storage plan”, which, she said, could include both chemical storage, through batteries, and hydroelectric storage, through the capacity of dams.

Another measure to be presented is to change the power grid control systems, with greater computerization and use of data, creating “a single data collection system”.

When asked by journalists about the high temperatures, Graça Carvalho said that “in the energy sector, when there are heat spikes, special attention must be paid to supply”.

“There is often an increase in energy demand due to air conditioning units”, she said, expressing confidence that REN and E-REDES, which handles distribution, have all the technical capacity to withstand the current challenges”.

“There is also a need to prevent fires and, therefore, there is a general alert from all ministries related to these matters to remain vigilant”, she added.