Spain's CNMC pushes energy retailers to tighten financial guarantees

The Spanish competition authority (CNMC) has highlighted serious solvency problems among electricity and gas retailers. Between 2022 and 2025, 39 firms were barred for failing legal requirements, leading to unpaid amounts close to €250 million for the power system and a surge of more than 1.3 million consumer complaints in 2024. In response, the CNMC proposes stricter capital requirements, mandatory guarantees for market operators, and tighter technical and staffing standards under the new Real Decreto 88/2026.

At the same time, the Spanish startup Roams has launched Anklaas, an AI‑driven platform that digitises invoice processing, compares offers from over 80 suppliers and alerts users to better pricing or contract renewal opportunities. The tool aims to empower trusted local advisers and improve transparency for end‑consumers, reducing paperwork and friction in the energy‑service market.