The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) announced that a slight decrease in the national electricity deficit is expected for this Friday, July 18, although the impacts of blackouts will continue to be significant and widespread throughout the country.
According to the official report released this morning, the availability of the National Electric Power System (SEN) at 7:00 AM was only 1,775 megawatts (MW), compared to a demand of 3,070 MW.
This caused an immediate deficit of 1,341 MW, a figure that could decrease to 1,250 MW at midday, but will increase again during peak hours.
The UNE estimates that during the night, demand will rise to 3,580 MW, with a projected availability of only 2,055 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,525 MW and an estimated impact of up to 1,595 MW.
Although lower than the peak reached on Thursday—when 1,947 MW of outages were recorded at 8:20 PM—the situation remains critical.
The forecast for that day even predicted a record impact of 2,065 MW, which ultimately did not occur, but highlighted the severity of the crisis.
At this time, the SEN is operating with multiple thermoelectric units out of service.
The unit 4 of Energas Varadero is out of service, in addition to three units from the CTEs Felton, Nuevitas, and Renté.
Four blocks of the Santa Cruz, Guiteras, Cienfuegos, and Renté power plants are undergoing maintenance.
Similarly, 86 distributed generation plants and eight engines in the Regla trailer are idle due to a lack of fuel, which adds 730 MW to the national deficit.
The limitations in thermal generation are 254 MW.
During peak hours, it is estimated that Unit 5 of the Nuevitas CTE will contribute 60 MW, Unit 3 of the Rente CTE will provide 50 MW, and the Guiteras CTE will supply 170 MW (currently in the process of completing the load).
Although the UNE reported that the 21 new photovoltaic solar parks contributed 397 MW at their peak yesterday at noon, solar generation is still insufficient to meet growing demand and compensate for the serious shortcomings of the thermal system.
Cuba's energy situation, far from improving, remains in a chronic state of emergency, exacerbated by years of mismanagement, low investment, and outdated infrastructure.
Meanwhile, citizens continue to endure prolonged blackouts in the midst of summer, with extreme temperatures and no guarantees of improvement in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why do blackouts continue in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba continue due to a chronic deficit in electricity generation, caused by breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, lack of fuel, and outdated infrastructure. These combined factors keep the National Electric System (SEN) in a critical state, with generation availability far below the country's demand.
What is the current electricity deficit in Cuba?
According to the most recent information, the electricity deficit in Cuba may exceed 1,500 megawatts (MW) during peak demand times. On July 18, a deficit that could reach 1,525 MW during peak nighttime hours was reported. This situation is reflected in prolonged and widespread power outages throughout the country.
What measures are being taken to mitigate the energy crisis in Cuba?
Currently, maintenance and repair work is being carried out on several thermoelectric units to try to recover some of the generation capacity. Additionally, new photovoltaic solar parks have been installed, although their contribution remains insufficient to meet national demand. However, there are no immediate structural solutions in sight to resolve the crisis.
How does the energy situation affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis severely affects the daily lives of Cubans, leading to prolonged blackouts that impact food preservation, access to water, and the operation of hospitals and schools. This situation also takes a toll on the physical and mental health of the population, which is experiencing a decline in quality of life with no clear prospects for improvement in the short term.
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