The employers’ association has already estimated the losses generated by the blackout at 110 million

Aragonese companies lost €110 million as a result of last week’s blackout, according to an analysis conducted by CEPYME Aragón following the incidents suffered. According to the information compiled by the employers’ association, 76% of companies suffered a complete shutdown of their activities, 16% were able to continue operations partially, and 8% suffered no incidents, mainly because they had generators.

According to the Confederation of Employers, 30% of companies indicate that they were unable to resume their activity the following day, so the economic impact is not limited to the day of the blackout. Thus, it is estimated that the business community saw its activity reduced by 85%. Therefore, considering that the average daily economic contribution in Aragon is estimated at around €130 million, the assessment of the direct economic loss, that is, the added value not generated, is around €110 million.

“It is essential to emphasize that this figure represents a loss of economic activity or potential gross added value, not necessarily a loss of net profit or an insurable loss under standard business interruption insurance policies,” they stated in a statement.

MAIN CONDITIONS AND SECTORS WITH LOSSES

Among the main impacts recorded were network and telephone outages that impeded customer service and connection to digital platforms; production stoppages , especially in the metal, automotive, and agri-food industries; lost orders and sales in retail stores, gas stations, and service companies; and incidents with electronic payments due to inoperative POS terminals, even in businesses that had backup systems.

According to the employers’ association’s report, the transport and logistics sector was one of the hardest hit. Supply chain problems, delivery disruptions, and communication difficulties affected both freight and passenger transport companies.

Similarly, in the metal and automotive sectors , numerous workshops and factories reported production interruptions, lost orders, and computer equipment failures, as well as the inability to complete essential administrative procedures.

Retail, for its part, suffered a high volume of incidents, especially in urban areas of Zaragoza and Huesca, where electrical problems, POS terminal inoperability, and falling sales were the norm during and after the blackout.

CLARIFY WHAT HAPPENED

CEPYME Aragón emphasizes that ” it is essential to clarify the origin of the failure” as quickly as possible and ensure that a similar situation does not occur again in the future. “At a time when companies, especially SMEs, are already dealing with high energy costs and an uncertain economic environment, a blackout is not just a setback; it is a real threat to their competitiveness. Companies need guarantees to be able to operate normally,” they stated.