The energy crisis in Cuba continues to hit the population hard.
According to the report from the Electric Union (UNE), the deficit of the National Electric System (SEN) caused continuous blackouts on Saturday for 24 hours, with a maximum impact of 1384 MW recorded at 9:00 PM, right during the peak demand period.
This Sunday began with 2130 MW available against a demand of 2800 MW, resulting in an initial deficit of 750 MW. By noon, an estimated impact of 700 MW is expected.
For the nighttime peak hours, the UNE estimates that the situation will be even more critical: with an availability of 2200 MW and a projected demand of 3200 MW, the deficit would be around 1000 MW, with expected impacts of up to 1070 MW during that period.
Main causes of the electrical collapse:
Units out of service due to breakdowns: Unit 2 of the Felton thermoelectric plant (CTE) and Unit 5 of the Diez de Octubre CTE.
Units under maintenance: Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Power Plant, Unit 4 of the Cienfuegos Power Plant, and Unit 5 of the Renté Power Plant.
Thermal limitations: 357 MW offline due to technical issues.
Fuel shortage: 79 distributed generation plants are out of service, representing a loss of 480 MW.
Although a partial recovery of 70 MW is anticipated through the reintroduction of some diesel plants, the magnitude of the deficit will not significantly alleviate the scheduled outages.
For its part, the 11 new photovoltaic solar parks installed in the country generated 1,189 MWh, a figure that remains insufficient in light of the country's needs.
The frequent blackouts, lack of fuel, and obsolescence of the energy infrastructure reflect the profound deterioration of the Cuban electrical system, a situation that worsens day by day without any short-term solution in sight.
Meanwhile, Cubans continue to endure long hours without electricity, which has a direct impact on their quality of life and on vital sectors such as health, food, and transportation.
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 a significant deficit in electricity generation capacity, due to multiple breakdowns in thermoelectric plants and a lack of fuel for distributed generation. This situation is further worsened by the maintenance of units and damage to electrical networks caused by weather phenomena such as hurricanes.
Which power plants are currently affected in Cuba?
Currently, several thermoelectric plants in Cuba are affected by breakdowns, including unit 5 of the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant, unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant, and units 3 and 6 of the Renté Thermoelectric Plant. Additionally, other units are under maintenance, such as those at the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant, Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant, Nuevitas Thermoelectric Plant, and Boca de Jaruco, which further restricts the country's electricity generation capacity.
How does the lack of fuel affect electricity generation in Cuba?
The lack of fuel in Cuba has rendered 37 distributed generation plants out of service, which significantly affects the responsiveness of the National Electroenergy System (SEN). This fuel shortage contributes to the generation deficit and the widespread blackouts experienced across the country.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to partially incorporate some thermoelectric units and restore areas affected by breakdowns. However, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the energy crisis facing the country, and the lack of fuel remains a critical obstacle to a short-term solution.
How is the energy crisis affecting the Cuban population?
The energy crisis in Cuba is severely affecting the daily lives of Cubans, causing total frustration and annoyance due to the ongoing blackouts. The lack of electricity impacts the quality of life, with wasted food and a growing sense of hopelessness, as reflected in protests and demonstrations against the regime in various regions of the country.
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