No, we don’t mean that the utility companies are going on strike, but that the electricity consumers in Órgiva have been blacking out their homes in protest over the ‘arrogance’ of Sevillana-Endesa.

Christopher Oliver and Fernando Infante have decided to go back to using candles, rather than flicking a switch, because they are sick and tired of what they claim to be disproportionate and abusive treatment at the hands of this electricity giant. What brought this to a head were two recent blackouts, and an outstanding debt of just 28 euros.

These two locals from Órgiva had to make several trips down to the coast, to the Motril office (costing them more than the amount owed) to try and sort it out. Regardless of these trips down to the Sevillana-Endesa area office – which in itself indicates quite a lot of willingness on the part of the locals – they have had their electricity cut off twice in what can only be described as an arrogant and arbitrary manner.

“It’s not the blackouts that cause most irritation but the fact that the company makes not the slightest effort and cuts off the electricity supply without prior warning,” complains, Sr. Infante, adding, “They just turn up and remove the main fuses – just like that, so we have decided to do without it.”

They point out that the measures taken by the company are disproportionate to the amount owed – 28 euros. You can only agree, besides, what would Sevillana-Endesa do if you owed 280 euros – kidnap your grandmother and hold her hostage – a severed finger as a reminder?

So, back to Fernando and Christopher… will a lack of television drive them back into the arms of Sevillana-Endesa? Not likely, of course, and thanks to supportive neighbours and friends, they can still have access to an electric fridge and washing machine – they’ll just have to pop round to their neighbours to use them.