Amid the severe energy crisis facing the island, power outages are affecting Cuban families this Tuesday due to a power generation deficit that exceeds 1,100 MW.
During peak hours, Unión Eléctrica estimates a power availability of 1,940 MW against a maximum demand of 3,050 MW, which could result in a shortfall of up to 1,180 MW during the highest consumption periods.
According to the report published on Facebook, the availability at 7:00 AM was 1,780 MW, with a demand of 2,050 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 360 MW due to generation deficits. During the midday hours, it is expected that the shortfalls will rise to 700 MW, with the greatest impact in the central-eastern region.
Yesterday, the blackouts started at 6:12 AM and reached a critical point at 6:20 PM, when the generation shortfall hit 1,134 MW, coinciding with peak demand.
The service was restored at 11:16 PM, but it was interrupted again at 5:15 AM today, with a higher incidence in the central and eastern regions of the country due to high demand in those areas.
Currently, unit 2 of the Felton Power Plant and units 3 and 6 of the Renté Power Plant are out of service due to malfunctions. Additionally, unit 8 of the Mariel Power Plant, unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Power Plant, units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos Power Plant, and unit 5 of the Renté Power Plant are undergoing maintenance. The limitations in thermal generation amount to 274 MW.
This situation is compounded by the lack of fuel, which has rendered 58 distributed generation plants inoperative, amounting to 329 MW, in addition to unit 5 of the CTE Nuevitas, which contributes another 75 MW to outages, totaling 404 MW offline due to this issue.
During peak hours, the introduction of six engines from the Patana de Melones generating 100 MW and Unit 3 of the Renté CTE, which will provide 60 MW, is expected. However, these measures are insufficient to meet the demand.
In the report shared on the magazine Buenos Días, Lázaro Guerra Hernández, general director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), praised that during the last night there were no interruptions due to a deficit in electricity generation.
Havana does not escape
The Electric Company of Havana also announced service disruptions throughout the day: “Considering the generation deficit in the National Electric System for today, it is necessary to implement emergency power cuts for customers in the capital associated with Blocks #3 and #4, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.”
He also added that "in the afternoon, Block #1 will be affected from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. From 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Block #2 will be impacted."
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of power outages in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are caused by a deficit in electricity generation due to the shutdown of several thermoelectric units for repairs and maintenance, as well as a shortage of fuel affecting distributed generation plants. This combination of factors has resulted in a shortfall in the capacity to meet the national electricity demand.
How do power outages affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, hindering essential activities such as cooking and using appliances. The lack of electricity also affects the economy and the overall well-being of the population, leading to growing social discontent due to the constant and prolonged interruptions in electrical service.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has been inadequate in its response to the energy crisis. Effective long-term solutions have not been implemented, and the population continues to suffer the effects of blackouts. Promises of improvement have not come to fruition, leading to frustration and protests in various regions of the country.
What is the projection for power outages in Cuba for the upcoming days?
According to the Electric Union of Cuba, power outages are expected to continue affecting the country, with electricity generation capacity significantly below demand. In the coming days, disruptions to the electrical service are forecasted to exceed 1,000 MW during peak hours, further exacerbating the current situation.
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