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Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) is facing a critical situation that could lead to a new nationwide blackout due to the high number of thermal power units that are out of service or undergoing maintenance.
The unexpected departure of the SEN from the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas, which occurred the day before, presents a scenario that many associate with the recent collapses, generally linked to the disconnection of the Matanzas thermoelectric plant, the most important in the country.
According to the Electric Union (UNE), on Saturday, service disruptions were recorded from 6:44 AM to 12:37 AM, with a maximum impact of 1,384 MW at 6:20 PM, coinciding with the peak demand time.
In its daily report, the state-owned company indicated that the figure exceeded expectations due to the emergency shutdown of the Guiteras, whose return to the National Electric System is anticipated for Wednesday, January 22.
Currently, units 5 and 8 of the CTE Mariel are out of service (with unit 8 in the startup process) and unit 2 of the CTE Felton. The company led by Alfredo López Valdés did not provide information regarding the status of the thermoelectric plant in Nuevitas, which had been reporting continuous failures and unexpected outages.
Units 2 and 3 of the Santa Cruz Power Plant, the unit of the Guiteras Power Plant, units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos Power Plant, and unit 5 of the Renté Power Plant are under maintenance.
The limitations in thermal generation total 275 MW. Additionally, 52 distributed generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, which accounts for 276 MW less in generation capacity.
For peak hours, the commissioning of unit 8 at the CTE Mariel is expected, which would bring the availability of the SEN to 1,750 MW against a maximum demand of 3,100 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,350 MW. If these conditions persist, a shortfall of 1,420 MW during that time is forecasted.
Recent blackouts of the national electricity grid in the memory of Cubans
Since October 2024, Cuba has faced a series of massive blackouts that have highlighted the vulnerability of the National Electric System. The power outages have affected several provinces, creating a deep energy crisis that continues to worsen despite the quick fixes and promises from the Cuban regime.
The first significant blackout occurred in October, when a malfunction at the Antonio Guiteras power plant left much of the western part of the country without electricity.
This incident was followed by another collapse in November, affecting the entire eastern region due to failures at the Felton thermoelectric plant, located in Holguín. Throughout December, the situation became even more critical, with widespread blackouts that left millions of Cubans without service.
The provinces most affected include Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Havana, where the lack of electricity has impacted essential services such as hospitals, schools, and telecommunications centers. In some regions, the blackouts have lasted more than 24 hours.
The causes of these blackouts have been attributed to a lack of maintenance in the thermoelectric plants, a shortage of fuel, and insufficient investments in the country's electrical infrastructure. Authorities have indicated that the crisis is due to economic issues and difficulties in acquiring spare parts for the generating plants.
However, other analysts point to the decisions and investment priorities of a regime more focused on the growth of the tourism sector as causes of the energy crisis the country is experiencing, and they believe that it "has neither the time nor the money" to address the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba is facing a critical situation due to a high number of thermoelectric units that are damaged or under maintenance, which threatens to cause new widespread blackouts in the country.
Which thermoelectric plants are affected by breakdowns and maintenance?
Currently, units 5 and 8 of the Mariel CTE and unit 2 of the Felton CTE are out of service. Units 2 and 3 of the Santa Cruz CTE, the unit from the Guiteras CTE, units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos CTE, and unit 5 of the Renté CTE are under maintenance, which significantly limits the electricity generation capacity in Cuba.
How does the lack of fuel affect the energy crisis in Cuba?
The lack of fuel has taken 52 distributed generation plants out of service, resulting in a loss of 276 MW in generation capacity. This exacerbates the energy deficit and increases the frequency of blackouts in the country.
What are the causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The causes of the energy crisis in Cuba include a lack of maintenance in thermal power plants, fuel shortages, and insufficient investment in electrical infrastructure. Analysts also point out that the regime prioritizes the tourism sector, leaving little time or money to address the problems of the electrical system.
How has the energy crisis affected the Cuban population?
The energy crisis has led to prolonged blackouts that have affected essential services such as hospitals and schools. In some areas, the blackouts have lasted more than 24 hours, severely impacting the quality of life for Cubans and causing protests and demonstrations due to social discontent.
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