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The situation of the National Electric System (SEN) is critical, with a generation deficit that necessitates maintaining blackouts across the country this Friday.
The highest impact due to generation capacity deficit on the previous day, according to the Electric Union, was 1,733 MW at 9:50 PM, reflecting the significant imbalance between electricity supply and demand.
At 6:00 AM today, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was only 1,550 MW, while demand reached 2,810 MW, resulting in an immediate deficit of 1,285 MW. By noon, a shortfall of 1,200 MW is anticipated.
Breakdowns and maintenance issues that exacerbate the crisis
The fragility of the system is exacerbated by multiple generating units out of service, both due to breakdowns and scheduled maintenance. Among the malfunctioning units are:
- Unit 2 of the Felton Thermal Power Plant (CTE)
- Unit 8 of the Mariel CTE
- Units 3 and 5 of the CTE Renté
Currently under maintenance are:
- Unit 5 of the Mariel CTE
- Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz
- Unit 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos
- Unit 1 of the CTE Felton
Moreover, the limitations in thermal generation add an additional 354 MW to the deficit, and the lack of installed capacity is compounded by the shortage of fuel, which has kept 44 distributed generation plants out of service, resulting in a loss of 201 MW.
Forecast for peak hours
For the peak hours this Friday, a gradual entry of some generation blocks is anticipated, including:
- 50 MW in distributed generation engines currently halted due to lack of fuel
- 70 MW corresponding to unit 5 of Renté
- 105 MW stemming from the Fuel Oil Mariel engine plant
However, even with these additions, the expected availability for peak hours is only 1,775 MW, compared to an estimated maximum demand of 3,330 MW. This would result in a deficit of 1,525 MW, with a forecasted impact of 1,595 MW, if current conditions persist.
The Electric Company of Havana confirmed that the deficit had not been resolved in the capital at the time of drafting their informational note, but they shared the scheduled blackout plan by blocks.
Meanwhile, the Cuban population continues to face widespread daily power outages, with a situation that shows no signs of immediate improvement. The electrical infrastructure is still deteriorating, with no visible solutions in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why does the energy deficit continue in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba persists due to the combination of breakdowns in generating units, scheduled maintenance, thermal limitations, and a critical fuel shortage. These situations have rendered several units of thermoelectric power plants and distributed generation out of service, severely impacting the response capability of the National Electric System (SEN).
What is the impact of blackouts on the daily lives of Cubans?
The blackouts in Cuba negatively impact the quality of life, affecting both domestic activities and basic services as well as family economics. The lack of electricity interrupts the water supply, affects education and transportation, and causes general discomfort among the population.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced plans to increase the use of renewable energy, such as the incorporation of photovoltaic solar parks, but these measures have proven insufficient to cover the energy deficit. The situation remains critical, and there is no clear short-term solution in sight.
How are power outages managed in Havana?
In Havana, the Electric Company implements rotating blackouts by blocks, affecting different areas at scheduled times. However, due to the instability of the system, these schedules are often not followed precisely, leaving many residents uncertain about when they will have electricity.
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