Melillan Gas and Electricity Company

Gaselec, formally Compañía Melillense de Gas y Electricidad, S.A., is the historic utility company responsible for Melilla's energy infrastructure since the early 20th century. Based in the Spanish autonomous city of Melilla on the North African coast, the company operates as part of Grupo Gaselec, a conglomerate that also manages telecommunications services and cultural projects through the Fundación Gaselec. The company traces its origins to 1897, when electricity production began in Melilla's Mantelete neighborhood under the initiative of the Junta de Arbitrios. It was formally constituted in 1913 as the Compañía Hispano-Marroquí de Gas y Electricidad, and adopted its current name in 2003. In January 2025, Gaselec celebrated its 125th anniversary, highlighting its role in the technological and social modernization of the city. The group operates in three main areas: Gaselec Distribución, responsible for maintaining over 200 km of network, transformation centers, and managing technical incidents; Gaselec Energía, an electricity retailer with a unique in-person customer service in Melilla; and Telecommunications, through Cablemel, offering fiber optic, television, and telephony services as a leading local player. In 2026, the control room was modernized with real-time visualization systems to optimize network monitoring. Initially partly owned by Banesto, the company was acquired in 1963 by José Cabanillas Rojas, consolidating family ownership. Following the death of Gustavo Cabanillas in April 2025, the presidency passed to his sister, Belén Cabanillas Gutiérrez, who currently leads the group. The company promotes culture and social action through the Fundación Gaselec, which operates the Museo Eléctrico y de la Industria (Electric and Industry Museum) and the Museo Egipcio de Melilla (Egyptian Museum of Melilla), and engages in social initiatives such as solidarity calendars in collaboration with organizations like Aspanies Plena Inclusión and ULOG 24. In 2025, the XXI Egyptology Meeting was held, and the future of the Egyptian Museum was studied, evaluating its possible relocation.

The production of electricity in Melilla began in 1897, promoted by the Junta de Arbitrios in the Mantelete neighborhood. This initiative laid the foundation for what would become the Compañía Melillense de Gas y Electricidad. The company was formally constituted in 1913 under the name Compañía Hispano-Marroquí de Gas y Electricidad, marking the beginning of its institutional history as the provider of gas and electricity for the city. Over the decades, it expanded its infrastructure and services, becoming an essential part of Melilla's urban development. Initially, the company had participation from Banesto (Banco Español de Crédito). In 1963, it was acquired by José Cabanillas Rojas, which consolidated family ownership and initiated a long period of Cabanillas family stewardship. In 2003, the company adopted its current name, Compañía Melillense de Gas y Electricidad, S.A. (Gaselec). By then, it had diversified into telecommunications through Cablemel, offering fiber optic, television, and telephony services, and had established the Fundación Gaselec to manage cultural and social projects. In January 2025, Gaselec celebrated its 125th anniversary, reflecting on its role in the technological and social modernization of Melilla. In April 2025, Gustavo Cabanillas, who had led the group, passed away. The presidency passed to his sister, Belén Cabanillas Gutiérrez, who continues to lead the group. In 2026, the company modernized its control room with advanced visualization technology to enhance real-time monitoring of the electrical network. Throughout its history, Gaselec has remained a key local utility, adapting to changing energy and telecommunications landscapes while maintaining a strong commitment to Melilla's community and heritage.

• 2026

  Modernizes control room with advanced visualization technology.

• 2025

  Celebrates 125th anniversary; Belén Cabanillas Gutiérrez becomes president after Gustavo Cabanillas's death.

• 2003

  Adopts current name Compañía Melillense de Gas y Electricidad, S.A. (Gaselec).

• 1963

  Acquired by José Cabanillas Rojas, consolidating family ownership.

• 1913

  Company formally constituted as Compañía Hispano-Marroquí de Gas y Electricidad.

• 1897

  Electricity production begins in Melilla under the Junta de Arbitrios.

Historic local utility and telecommunications provider in Melilla, combining energy distribution, retail, and telecom services under a family-owned group.

• Gaselec Distribución

  Maintains over 200 km of network, transformation centers, and manages technical incidents.

• Gaselec Energía

  Electricity retailer with unique in-person customer service in Melilla.

• Cablemel

  Telecommunications services including fiber optic, television, and telephony.

1. 1Gaselec official websitegaselec.es
2. 2Wikidata entry for Melillan Gas and Electricity Companywikidata.org
3. 3Wikipedia article on Compañía Melillense de Gas y Electricidades.wikipedia.org