The energy crisis gripping Cuba reached a new critical point on Wednesday, with widespread blackouts across the country due to a generation deficit nearing 1,700 megawatts (MW).
The situation has forced the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) to maintain service interruptions throughout the 24 hours of the previous day and into the early hours of today, causing a severe impact on the daily lives of millions of Cubans.
According to the official report issued by the UNE, the highest impact on Tuesday was 1,623 MW at 8:20 PM, right at the peak of demand, leaving vast areas of the country without electricity during one of the most critical times for Cuban households.
For this Wednesday, the outlook is no less grim: system availability at 7:00 a.m. was only 1,731 MW, while demand exceeded 2,490 MW, creating an immediate deficit of 801 MW in the early hours of the day.
However, the situation becomes even more concerning when considering the night hours, when a peak demand of 3,350 MW is expected, against the same limited availability, which could result in a total shortfall of up to 1,689 MW during the nighttime hours.
Structural failures and fuel crisis
The report reveals a series of breakdowns and maintenance issues that continue to undermine the capacity of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN). Unit 2 of the Felton thermoelectric plant remains out of service due to a malfunction, while another five thermal units in Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté are undergoing maintenance.
This is compounded by a limitation of 358 MW in thermal generation.
The situation is further aggravated by the fuel crisis, which has rendered 90 distributed generation plants inoperative, resulting in a loss of an additional 603 MW, in addition to 120 MW from the Fuel Oil engines in Moa.
There are also 18 MW unavailable due to a lack of lubricants. These figures reflect the precarious state of the Cuban electrical system, caught between chronic technical failures and a collapsed energy supply.
Scheduled blackouts in Havana
In the capital, the Electric Company of Havana announced a staggered power outage program to manage the shortage.
According to the entity, today the four electrical blocks of the city will be affected in a rotating manner, starting with block #2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by block #1 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Subsequently, block #3 will be without service from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and finally, block #4 will be affected from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
These power outages disrupt the operation of essential services such as hospitals, educational centers, businesses, and public transportation, in addition to increasing social unrest within a population already severely affected by economic difficulties and the rising cost of daily life.
Solar energy: an insufficient relief
The technical report also highlighted the production of 1,026 megawatt hours (MWh) generated by the eight new photovoltaic solar parks, a figure that, while representing progress in the diversification of the energy matrix, is clearly insufficient given the magnitude of the current deficit.
A crisis without an immediate solution
The reality of the SEN reveals a profound structural and operational crisis that does not seem to have a short-term solution.
Although the government has called for energy efficiency and has invested in renewable sources, the aging national infrastructure, which relies on fossil fuels, remains extremely vulnerable to technical failures and resource shortages.
Meanwhile, Cuban citizens are facing another day of prolonged blackouts, with no specific date in sight for a sustained recovery of electrical service.
What for many has become routine—the return of the power outage during dinner, the fan stopping on a hot night—has once again become a symbol of a country that continues to struggle to turn the lights on.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity generation deficit in Cuba?
The electricity generation deficit in Cuba has reached nearly 1,700 MW. This has caused widespread blackouts across the country, severely impacting the daily lives of the Cuban population.
What are the main causes of this energy crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to a combination of structural failures in the National Electro-Energetic System (SEN), a fuel crisis, and breakdowns in several thermoelectric units. The limitations in thermal generation and the shortage of resources such as fuel and lubricants further exacerbate the situation.
What measures has the Cuban Electric Union taken to manage the blackout crisis?
The Electric Union of Cuba has implemented scheduled and rotating power outages, especially in cities like Havana, to manage the energy shortage. However, these measures have not been enough to mitigate the effects of the current energy deficit.
What role do renewable energies play in Cuba's current energy crisis?
Despite the addition of eight new photovoltaic solar parks, which have generated a modest amount of energy, the production of renewable energy is insufficient to cover the current electricity deficit in Cuba. This demonstrates the urgent need to diversify and improve the country's energy infrastructure.
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