The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened in recent days, with prolonged blackouts and a deficit in electricity generation exceeding 1,600 megawatts (MW).
According to the official report from the Electric Union (UNE) on this Friday, April 4th, the service was disrupted for 24 hours on Thursday.
A maximum impact of 1.619 MW was recorded at 8:00 PM, coinciding with peak hours, a figure higher than planned due to increased demand
At 7:00 AM today, the availability of the National Electroenergy System (SEN) was 1,840 MW, while the demand reached 2,750 MW, resulting in a capacity deficit of 1,002 MW. By noon, a shortfall of 1,100 MW is expected.
Among the causes of the deficit are the breakdowns of two units at the Nuevitas and Felton thermoelectric plants, as well as scheduled maintenance on five other generating units at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté power plants.
Additionally, 69 distributed generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, affecting 501 MW, and another 139 MW are unavailable due to a shortage of lubricants.
For the nighttime peak, a demand of 3,450 MW is anticipated, with an availability of 1,840 MW, which would imply a deficit of 1,610 MW and an estimated impact of 1,680 MW
These recurring blackouts create frustration among the population, disrupting daily activities.
Despite the addition of eight photovoltaic solar parks that produced 934 MWh on Thursday, the reliance on non-renewable energy sources and the lack of investment in energy infrastructure perpetuate the crisis.
The current situation highlights the urgent need for structural reforms in the Cuban energy sector, as well as investments in infrastructure and sustainable energy sources to mitigate the effects of the crisis and ensure a reliable electricity supply for the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity deficit in Cuba?
The electrical deficit in Cuba exceeds 1,600 MW. This situation has caused prolonged blackouts throughout the country, severely impacting the daily lives of citizens. The deficit is attributed to breakdowns in several thermoelectric units, scheduled maintenance, and a lack of fuel.
What measures are being taken to address power outages in Cuba?
To address the blackouts, the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has implemented rotating blackout programs by blocks in cities like Havana. Additionally, photovoltaic solar parks are being incorporated, although their production is insufficient to alleviate the current crisis. However, these measures have proven inadequate to resolve the short-term generation deficit.
What are the main causes of the electricity deficit in Cuba?
The main causes of the electrical deficit in Cuba are failures in thermoelectric units, scheduled maintenance, and a lack of fuel. This last factor has rendered several distributed generation plants out of service, exacerbating the energy crisis in the country.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The energy crisis is severely affecting the Cuban population, as prolonged blackouts interfere with daily life, including food preparation, the use of appliances, and food preservation. Additionally, it negatively impacts basic services, economic activity, and overall quality of life.
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