The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) reported that the National Electric System (SEN) is facing serious difficulties in ensuring the supply of electricity.
This Wednesday, the service was affected for 24 hours due to a generation deficit that peaked at 1,735 MW at 6:20 PM, coinciding with the time of highest demand. This was close to the record deficit of 1,750 MW reported in early November.
Cuban authorities claim that the crisis is exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael and multiple breakdowns in power generation plants. In Artemisa, an additional 40 MW are out of service for this reason.
At 07:00 hours this Thursday, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was at 1,540 MW, while demand reached 2,320 MW, resulting in a generation deficit of 820 MW.
A Critical Overview of Blackouts in Cuba
The energy deficit significantly impacts daily life in the country, with estimates suggesting that during peak hours today, availability will reach only 1,675 MW compared to a demand of 3,100 MW. This is projected to lead to an expected shortfall of 1,495 MW for the evening, though this may increase.
There are five electricity generating plants that are out of service due to breakdowns, including unit 5 of the CTE Mariel, the unit of the CTE Matanzas, and two units of the CTE Renté.
Several units from other plants are undergoing maintenance. Additionally, 45 distributed generation plants are unavailable, along with issues with the generating barges in Santiago de Cuba and Melones, resulting in a total of 348 MW affected by fuel shortages.
To mitigate the crisis during peak hours, there are plans to reintegrate unit 6 of the Renté thermoelectric plant with 45 MW, along with engines on the barges in Santiago de Cuba and Melones, which would add an additional 90 MW. These measures would only partially cover the projected deficit.
The UNE stated that it continues to work on the recovery of the damaged units and the restoration of the areas affected by the hurricane, but the reactions of Cubans on social media show disbelief. Meanwhile, prolonged power outages continue to affect thousands of families on the island.
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