REN was set up as a company in August 1994, emerging out of a spin-off operation from the EDP Group - Electricidade de Portugal, S.A., of the then Operations Division. However, its background goes as far back as 1947. That was the year in which CNE - Companhia Nacional de Electricidade, S.A.R.L. was founded. A pioneer electricity carrier in Portugal and its original predecessor.

In November 2000, REN left the EDP Group in the wake of the European energy market being liberalized. This meant that transmission companies and those handling production and distribution had to be legally separated. Responsible for an activity fundamental to the country’s economy, REN is guided by values consolidated over the years, such as a sense of responsibility and ethics, upholding rigor, transparency, independence, impartiality and a spirit of cooperation. Allied to these values are technical leadership and rationality in the utilization of methods and resources, with an emphasis on respect for the environment.

In December 2002 REN set up RENTELECOM – Comunicações, S.A., with a view to gaining a return on the surplus capacity of its Safety Telecommunications network and offering the market a reliable and secure nationwide network for telecommunications, new IT technologies and communication purposes.

REN - Rede Eléctrica Nacional, S.A. is the concessionaire of the National Electricity Transmission Network (RNT). In mainland Portugal its mission is that of a public utility company, primarily ensuring:

• Technical management of the National Electricity System (SEN) and overall management of the Public Service Electricity System (SEP).
• The carrying of electrical power, and the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of the National Transmission Network (RNT).
• Identification of the needs of the new SEP producers’ centers and the building up of a portfolio of places for them.

In accomplishing its mission, REN must guarantee the uninterrupted supply of electricity, at a minimum cost, and meet quality (frequency and voltage) and safety criteria. It must also maintain a balance between production and demand and ensure the legitimate interests of those involved in the electricity market, while coordinating the missions of System Operator and Market Operator, for which it is responsible.

In a nutshell - REN’s prime goals are to contribute to the country’s development and the well-being of its people, while creating shareholder-value.

In pursuit of its activities, the REN organization has highly qualified professionals at its disposal. Dynamic and motivated, they are ready to address the demands of change, as well as continuous improvement and training.