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The National Electroenergetic System (SEN) is facing a severe crisis this Thursday, February 27, 2025, with power service disruptions exceeding 1,500 megawatts (MW), according to the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE).
The low power generation has left large areas of the country without electricity for extended periods, particularly affecting the central-eastern region.
Yesterday's events were marked by continuous interruptions in the electricity supply, reaching a peak impact of 1,680 MW at 7:40 PM, outside of peak demand hours. Throughout the early hours of Thursday, the energy deficit has persisted, leaving thousands of Cubans without service.
At 07:00 hours, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was only 1,540 MW, while the demand reached 2,220 MW, resulting in an immediate deficit of 702 MW. By noon, it is estimated that the deficit will rise to 1,100 MW, with most of the impact concentrated in the central and eastern regions of the country.
Energy crisis without relief
Breakdowns and scheduled maintenance have drastically reduced the generation capacity of the SEN. Currently, the following units are out of service due to technical failures:
- Unit 5 of the CTE Mariel
- Unit 3 of the CTE Santa Cruz
- Units 1 and 2 of the CTE Felton
The limitations in thermal generation amount to 367 MW. In addition, the following units are under maintenance:
- Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz
- Units 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos
- Unit 5 of the CTE Renté
Another critical factor is the lack of fuel, which has rendered 71 distributed generation plants out of service, resulting in a total impact of 503 MW, in addition to 5 engines at the Moa fuel plant, which contribute another 70 MW to the deficit. In total, the lack of fuel has reduced generation capacity by 573 MW.
Forecast for peak hours
The authorities estimate the incorporation of some resources into the SEN in the coming hours
- 50 MW in distributed generation engines
- 60 MW with the commissioning of unit 3 of the Santa Cruz power plant
- 70 additional MW with 5 engines from the fuel plant in Moa
Even with these additions, the total availability during peak hours will be only 1,720 MW compared to an estimated demand of 3,200 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,480 MW and an impact of 1,550 MW on the electrical service, especially in the central and eastern provinces of the country.
Blackouts in Havana
The Electric Company of Havana announced scheduled outages in the capital due to a generation deficit
- Blocks 1 and 2: No service from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Block 3: Power outage from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Block 4: Cuts from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The deterioration of the SEN and the lack of short-term solutions continue to have a negative impact on the daily lives of Cubans, with prolonged blackouts and an increasing uncertainty about the stability of the electrical system. The authorities have not announced concrete measures to reverse the crisis, while the population faces days of heat and shortages without stable access to electricity.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity generation deficit in Cuba?
The current electricity generation deficit in Cuba exceeds 1,500 MW, which has caused massive blackouts across the country. This deficit is the result of multiple factors, including fuel shortages and breakdowns in thermal power plants.
Which regions of Cuba are the most affected by power outages?
The regions most affected by power outages are mainly the central and eastern areas of Cuba, where the demand for electricity exceeds the available generation capacity. The situation is exacerbated in these areas due to insufficient energy transfers and limitations in the electrical infrastructure.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba are breakdowns and maintenance of the generating units, as well as fuel shortages. These issues have taken important thermoelectric plants and distributed generation facilities offline, significantly reducing the capacity for electricity supply on the island.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
Until now, the measures implemented by the Cuban government have been insufficient to resolve the energy crisis. No effective long-term solutions have been announced, and the population continues to suffer the effects of blackouts, leading to increasing discontent and protests in various regions of the country.
How are the blackouts affecting the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages significantly impact the daily life of Cubans, making essential activities such as food preparation and the use of appliances difficult. Additionally, they generate frustration and social discontent, especially in a context of ongoing lack of solutions from the authorities.
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