Cuba is experiencing one of the most critical days of the year in terms of energy, with a forecasted generation deficit expected to exceed 1,600 megawatts (MW) during peak hours this Tuesday.
The situation has forced the implementation of prolonged electricity cuts across the country, including Havana, where blackouts have been scheduled in time blocks and are affecting all sectors of the city.
According to the report from the Unión Eléctrica, on Monday the National Electric System (SEN) remained under strain, experiencing continuous disruptions for 24 hours, which continued with significant interruptions during the early morning and throughout the day.
The worst moment occurred at 8:20 PM, when the lack of generation reached a peak of 1,697 MW, coinciding with the time of highest national demand.
The figure even exceeded official forecasts, due to higher-than-expected consumption and the unexpected shutdown of unit 3 at the Santa Cruz thermoelectric power plant in Mayabeque.
At 7:00 AM this Tuesday, the availability of the national electric system was just 1,820 MW against a demand of 2,710 MW, resulting in a deficit of 974 MW that was expected to lead to another day of blackouts.
The situation has not improved as the day progresses: during the peak evening hours—when demand is highest—a maximum demand of 3,420 MW is expected, while the estimated available capacity is only 1,870 MW. This will result in a deficit of up to 1,620 MW if the expected conditions persist.
Technical failures, maintenance issues, and a lack of fuel are worsening the crisis
The energy deficit is not due to a single factor, but to a combination of structural issues that have worsened over time.
Among the main incidents is the breakdown in unit 3 of the Santa Cruz CTE, as well as in unit 2 of the Felton CTE.
In addition, four blocks are undergoing scheduled maintenance at the CTE Cienfuegos, Renté, and Santa Cruz facilities.
In addition to these failures, thermal limitations have kept another 383 MW out of service, along with an increasingly concerning factor: the lack of fuel.
In total, 84 distributed generation plants—contributing approximately 706 MW to the system—are not operational due to a lack of the necessary diesel to function, which has drastically reduced the system's response capacity to consumption peaks.
Solar energy: a limited aid
The eight new photovoltaic solar parks in the country produced a total of 1,077 megawatt-hours (MWh) yesterday, a modest contribution when considering the scale of the national energy deficit.
Although solar energy has been promoted as part of the solution to Cuba's energy crisis, its production is still insufficient to offset the constant declines in conventional thermal generation.
Havana, subject to rolling blackouts
The Electric Company of Havana also issued an informational note detailing the disruption plan for this Tuesday.
The capital has been divided into blocks, each of which will experience rotating blackouts lasting several hours. Block #5 was without power from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Block #2 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Starting at that time, block #1 will be affected until 7:00 PM. From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, customers in block #4 will be affected, and from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, block #3 will be affected.
A crisis that repeats and worsens
The energy situation in Cuba is not new, but the persistence of the problem and its progressive worsening have raised alarms among the population and experts.
Years of deterioration in generation infrastructure, a lack of sustained investment, the financial and commercial blockade, and dependence on imported fuel have left the country with no room for maneuver in emergencies like the one on Tuesday.
The authorities, although they recognize the magnitude of the problem, have not yet announced any structural measures to address a crisis that threatens to become permanent.
Meanwhile, Cubans are facing entire days without electricity, with no clarity on when a minimum level of stability in the supply will be restored.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the magnitude of the current energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba exceeds 1,600 megawatts (MW), causing prolonged blackouts across the country and severely impacting the population and the economy.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are caused by a combination of technical failures, scheduled maintenance, and lack of fuel. These conditions have resulted in a deficit in electricity generation that the country cannot cover, compounded by the deterioration of the electricity generation infrastructure.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
So far, the authorities have not announced any significant structural measures to address the crisis. However, scheduled electricity cuts have been implemented, and attempts have been made to incorporate new energy sources, such as solar parks, although this has not been sufficient to stabilize the electricity supply.
What is the impact of power outages on the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts severely affect the quality of life for Cubans, interfering with essential activities such as cooking, using household appliances, and preserving food. They also create an atmosphere of frustration and social discontent.
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