Cubans experienced a disruption in the electrical service of up to 1,632 MW this Wednesday and will face a similar generation deficit on May 8, according to the recent statement from the Electric Union (UNE).
The critical imbalance between supply and demand keeps the country mired in prolonged daily blackouts, with no signs of recovery.
For the night of this Thursday, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) is estimated at 1,910 MW, while the maximum demand will be 3,380 MW, which suggests a shortfall of up to 1,540 MW if current conditions persist.
Affects during the 24 hours
UNE reported that the service was affected for 24 hours the day before, including the entire morning of this Thursday. The highest disruption reported (1,632 MW) occurred at 8:00 PM, although it did not coincide with the peak demand.
At 7:00 AM today, the availability of the SEN was 1,830 MW, compared to a demand of 2,850 MW, indicating an immediate deficit of 1,083 MW. By noon, a shortfall of 1,100 MW is anticipated.
Breakdowns, maintenance, and lack of fuel
The statement outlines that the main causes of the current energy collapse include:
- Breakdowns in Unit 3 of the CTE Cienfuegos and Unit 2 of the CTE Felton.
- Scheduled maintenance on four thermal units: Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Power Plant, Unit 4 of the Cienfuegos Power Plant, the Unit of the Guiteras Power Plant, and Unit 5 of the Renté Power Plant.
- Thermal limitations have taken an additional 317 MW offline.
- Lack of fuel has rendered 69 distributed generation plants inactive, amounting to 479 MW offline from the system.
Although it is expected to recover 80 MW from diesel plants halted due to a lack of fuel, this amount is not sufficient to cover the growing deficit.
UNE also reported that the 11 new photovoltaic solar parks managed to generate only 1,127 MWh, a minimal contribution compared to national demand.
Daily blackouts have ceased to be an emergency and have become the norm in Cuba. In many provinces, the outages exceed 20 consecutive hours, forcing citizens to restructure their lives around the sporadic service.
The situation, which has persisted for over five years, highlights the regime's inability to address the energy crisis. Despite multiple promises of recovery, the deterioration of the National Electric System (SEN) continues unabated, while the population bears the consequences of a collapsed system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of blackouts in Cuba?
The main cause of blackouts in Cuba is the deficit in electricity generation, which exceeds 1,500 MW. This deficit is a result of the shutdown of several thermoelectric units due to breakdowns and maintenance, as well as the lack of fuel affecting distributed generation plants.
How do blackouts affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, making it difficult to prepare food, use appliances, and preserve perishables. Additionally, they disrupt essential services such as water and gas supply, leading to frustration and social discontent.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The measures taken by the Cuban government have been insufficient to resolve the energy crisis. Although repairs have been promised for the thermal plants and other facilities, the lack of significant results and the ongoing fuel shortage have kept the crisis unresolved.
What role do renewable energies play in Cuba's energy crisis?
In the midst of the energy crisis, renewable energies, such as solar, have provided only marginal assistance to the Cuban electrical system. Although new solar parks have been inaugurated, their generating capacity is insufficient to alleviate the structural deficit of the National Electric System.
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