The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) announced this Monday an impact of more than 800 MW during peak hours, due to a generation capacity deficit, caused by unit failures and insufficient fuel availability.
On its Facebook page, the company reported that the estimated maximum demand will be 3200 MW, while availability will only reach 2450 MW, creating a deficit of 750 MW, "so if the expected conditions persist, a shortfall of 820 MW is forecasted during this time."
At 07:00 hours, the National Electric System (SEN) had a capacity of 2250 MW compared to a demand of 2555 MW, which already caused an impact of 375 MW.
The breakdowns in several important units, such as unit 8 of the Mariel CTE, unit 5 of the Rente CTE, unit 1 of the Santa Cruz CTE, and unit 2 of the Felton CTE, as well as the limitations in thermal generation, with a total of 496 MW out of service, exacerbate the situation.
Additionally, 52 distributed generation plants and the Regla barge are out of service due to a lack of fuel, which affects another 390 MW.
Despite the expected reintegration of some units for peak hours, such as unit 1 of the CTE Santa Cruz (80 MW), the Regla truck (45 MW), and unit 1 of the CTE Felton (70 MW), the impact will continue to be significant.
During the previous day, the electrical service was affected for 24 hours, with a maximum impact of 859 MW at 11:00 PM, exceeding the planned levels due to higher than expected demand, the note adds.
Blackouts in Cuba are a recurring problem that has affected the Cuban population for decades. They are mainly due to a lack of investment and maintenance in the country's electrical infrastructure, as well as dependence on imported fuels for energy generation.
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