The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) announced this Wednesday that the National Electric System (SEN) will face a generation deficit that will leave one-third of the country without electricity during peak hours, with an estimated impact of up to 1,290 megawatts (MW).
The announcement comes amid a growing sense of public discontent over the recent rate increase imposed by ETECSA, the state telecommunications company, which surprised many last Friday by taking a significant step in the government policy of Miguel Díaz-Canel to “partially dollarize” the economy.
According to the official report from UNE, the availability of the SEN at 07:00 hours was 2,080 MW, against a demand of 2,620 MW, indicating an impact of 598 MW due to capacity deficit. For the peak demand period, an impact of 800 MW is anticipated, although the forecast for the night is more severe.
The main incidents of the system include the failure of Unit 2 at the Felton Thermal Power Plant (CTE), and maintenance work on units 2 at the Santa Cruz CTE, 4 at the Cienfuegos CTE, and 5 at the Renté CTE.
This is in addition to 432 MW out of service due to thermal limitations, and 573 MW inactive due to fuel issues in distributed generation.
However, the credibility of official figures is once again in question. Yesterday, Tuesday, the UNE forecasted a maximum impact of 1,272 MW, but today's report reveals that the reality was even worse: 1,289 MW were turned off at 9:00 PM.
The gap between what is expected and what actually happens has become commonplace, that views daily reports more as formalities than as reliable information.
This situation unfolds as discontent over the ETECSA price hike continues to grow. The increase in prices for internet and phone services, in a country already impacted by daily power outages, has sparked criticism on social media, where many users are denouncing what they see as an affront to the Cuban people's finances.
The UNE insists that the situation is subject to technical variations and system availability, but the daily reality of blackouts, coupled with institutional discredit, seems to impose its own version of events.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy and Pricing Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity generation deficit in Cuba?
Currently, the electricity generation deficit in Cuba reaches 1,290 megawatts (MW) during peak hours. This leaves one third of the country without electricity, further exacerbating social unrest. The situation worsens due to breakdowns in several thermoelectric plants and a lack of fuel, which has resulted in prolonged blackouts across the island.
How does the increase in ETECSA rates affect the Cuban population?
The recent increase in rates by ETECSA has caused significant discomfort among the Cuban population. The hike in prices for internet and telephone services has been viewed as a blow to the citizens' wallets, who are already facing difficulties due to daily power outages. This rate increase is part of a policy of "partial dollarization" of the Cuban economy, which affects segments of the population without access to foreign currency.
Is there a possibility that electricity rates in Cuba will be dollarized?
There is increasing speculation about the possible dollarization of electricity rates in Cuba, following the trend initiated by ETECSA. If this comes to pass, it could have a devastating impact on those who do not receive remittances or do not have access to foreign currency, further consolidating social inequality in the country.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to a combination of breakdowns in thermal power plants, simultaneous maintenance of key units, and a severe shortage of fuel. These issues, along with the overexploitation of outdated infrastructure, have resulted in a generation deficit that has exceeded 1,600 MW on several occasions, leading to widespread and prolonged blackouts across the country.
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