12 Feb 2017 4:08 PM:

I have worked on energy technical and poicy issues in Spain and in the EU, As far as I recall, (and I may be wrong)  I saw in the Spanish Press this law was pushed through by a minister who was given a job on the board of Endesa ( as well as rewards to over 30 MPs who supported him). The tax is punitive (1400 euros/yr, as  far as I recall). So, whoever commented on corruption may well be right.

Don´t be tempted to try and get away with it. Saprona (Guardia Civil division responsible for envornmental regulation) confiscated the equipment and took the owner to court. They now use satellite photography (and I think maybe drones, now) to check unlicenced building. It will pick up large PV panels.

The reason: most of these energy giants have an inflexible business plan and face a new challaneges. Two problems: They are facing much of their production now being solar or wind, which are both variable, and large scale storage is not available. This means they have to keep current power plants (coal, nuclear, gas) on standby for days when the renewables are not supplying enough, which is costly. They also have to maintain the supply lines. Second: Add to this, micro scale production in Spain (home generating systems) adds to the problems, and could reduce income significantly. The latest thinking on electricity storage is also small scale units, epecially electric/hybrid cars. So much so that Elon Musk (Tesla) is converting the car battery technology for use in households, which could be a major breakthrough.

Thread: Solar energy

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04 Feb 2010 1:22 PM:

I've recently bought a Hits card, and have had good service in changeover and topping up, to date. I heard the rumours and contacted Direct Telecom (who provide great telecoms services) who arranged my changeover. They confirmed it's a malicious rumour, and Hits legal action.

However, I have had problems this week topping up on -line, which seems to be more an IT problem. They did have problems with their IT system last Autumn, which did lead to non-payments, and may have fueled the rumour. Equally, it is not beyond belief that their IT system is being attacked. Telefonica/Movistar can overcharge me 42€  rent when I terminated my landline, and cut my mobile 5 hours before the agreed changeover time, taking 10€ credit I intended to use (and left me in difficulties): I understand from a colleague who used to work for them that this was standard practice. I'd believe almost anything of that bunch of thieves.

 

Thread: Big Problem with HITs mobile (phone provider)

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