Reliable operation of the electrical system is an essential service that Red Eléctrica de España (REE) implements in its two basic roles: transmission and system operation. To implement such functions, the transmission grid is operated by REE, who coordinates its use with the generation facilities to monitor and provide the continuity and security of the electricity supply. This complex process requires the availability of high capacity telecommunications and computerized systems which display the information received in real time from all the facilities and participants of the electrical system. REE’s control system must monitor and manage more than 270 000 variables (47 000 analog and 223 000 digital) updated in less than twelve seconds, and issue remote control instructions through 40 000 signals. Due to the amount of data received, real time data awareness and advanced data processing at both Electrical Control Centre (CECOEL) and the Control Centre for Renewable Energy (CECRE) is essential for REE in order to make optimal decisions. Gathering and managing real time data from more than 3 000 renewable energy facilities, together with the telecommunication deployment carried out among generation, transmission and operation activities has been one of the pillars that has allowed Spain to reach high penetration of renewable energy. This helped covering up to 68.5 % of the hourly demand by wind energy, up to 84% by renewable energy and up to 94 % by sources without CO2 emissions.