Endesa Cuts Power to Puerto de la Cruz Community Building Over Illegal Connection
Endesa disconnected power to a Puerto de la Cruz municipal building on September 26 due to an illegal connection and missing meter, affecting community activities, with the utility stating restoration requires safety compliance despite the City Council's promise to seek solutions.
On September 26, the electricity company Endesa cut power to a municipal building at 3 Canastilleras Street in Puerto de la Cruz. This building is used by the San Felipe El Tejar Neighborhood Association. Endesa acted after discovering that the electrical installation had been tampered with and that there was no electricity meter. The power has not been restored since, and no one has been identified as responsible.
Since then, all activities at the building have struggled to continue as usual because there's no electricity. Teachers giving afternoon lessons to about 30 children now rely on mobile phone lights and candles. Meanwhile, the local domino club has moved its competitions to the Federation's headquarters.
During a recent meeting between residents and City Council officials, the council promised to find solutions. Mayor Leopoldo Afonso even said he would ask Endesa for a report to understand how the meter was tampered with. María Vanessa León Peraza, one of the teachers, specifically asked him to do this to help identify who was responsible.
However, Endesa sources told this newspaper today that they have no record of any request from the City Council or anyone else to restore the electricity. They added that for power to be restored, several conditions must be met, including ensuring the electrical system is safe and a meter is installed.
Endesa emphasized that they cut the power for safety reasons. Their inspection found no meter and an "illegal connection," which they say creates "a real danger" for anyone using the building, especially the many children who attend activities there. Because of this, the power was cut immediately and will only be restored once the property meets all necessary safety and legal conditions.