Rosolina Mare, on the Italian Adriatic coast, experienced two prolonged power outages between July 31 and August 3, 2026. The first blackout in Rosolina Mare began around 10:30 p.m. and lasted for approximately twelve hours in some areas. High electricity consumption driven by air conditioning and refrigeration units triggered several grid failures. At the same time, the theft of 800 meters of copper cable rendered an alternative supply line unusable. Consequently, thousands of vacationers, residents, and businesses were temporarily left without electricity, refrigeration, or functioning communication services. Restaurants, bars, and ice cream parlors also lost perishable stock.
Blackout in Rosolina Mare Hits Packed Holiday Resorts
The first outage occurred during a summer evening that saw a particularly high number of visitors. In addition to regular holidaymakers, events such as “Sapori in Piazza” had drawn many more people to the town. Consequently, the power cut struck hotels, beach facilities, shops, and restaurants right in the middle of business operations.
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According to Mayor Michele Grossato, power consumption at times exceeded the capacity of a distribution substation. However, technicians worked through the night to address multiple faults in the local grid. By around 8:30 a.m., power had been restored to almost the entire town, though some areas faced a longer wait.
Copper theft hinders rapid backup supply
Normally, a second line could have provided power to the affected grid sections more quickly. However, unknown individuals had previously stolen approximately 800 meters of copper cable, damaging that connection. Consequently, the blackout in Rosolina Mare lasted significantly longer than would likely have been necessary had an intact backup supply been available.
The grid operator also deployed a mobile power unit with a capacity of one megawatt to alleviate bottlenecks and assist with restoration efforts. For many businesses, however, this help arrived too late, as freezers and refrigerators had already been without power for hours.
Second Outage Hits Residents and Guests Again
On Sunday evening, the power supply failed once more in several areas around 9:30 p.m. Depending on the specific district, electricity did not return until around 4:00 a.m. on Monday. Although Enel technicians began work immediately, the second outage in three nights exacerbated the damage.
As a result, those affected once again had to dispose of food or secure medications requiring refrigeration. Families with relatives in need of care also relied on a stable power supply. The renewed blackout in Rosolina Mare heightened frustration among vacationers and business owners. Some business owners are now calling for investment in aging distribution infrastructure to prevent such outages from recurring every peak season.
Author: Blackout News
Sources: La Voce di Revigo (03.08.26) – Antenna Tre (03.08.26)