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Cuba is once again facing a day of widespread power outages, with the National Electric System (SEN) reporting a generation deficit that reached 1,772 megawatts at 7:30 PM on Tuesday, exceeding what was planned.
The energy crisis forced the electrical service to be affected throughout the day and continued to be interrupted during the early hours of Wednesday, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.
The Unión Eléctrica reported that at 6:00 am this Wednesday, the energy availability was only 1,460 MW, while the demand reached 2,730 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,082 MW.
During peak hours, it is estimated that around 1,300 MW will be affected.
The situation reflects the precariousness of the system, weakened by breakdowns, insufficient maintenance, and chronic problems in the supply of fuel and lubricants.
Among the breakdowns affecting the SEN, a unit from the Felton CTE, another from Santa Cruz, and a third from Mariel stand out, in addition to three other units from Renté.
This is in addition to maintenance work on two units of the Santa Cruz thermoelectric plant and another at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes plant in Cienfuegos, along with thermal limitations that keep 312 MW out of service.
The lack of fuel is affecting 47 distributed generation plants with 295 MW, and 240 MW remain unavailable due to a shortage of lubricants, totaling 535 MW impacted by these issues.
For the peak hours this Wednesday, a recovery of only 50 MW was expected from distributed generation engines and the reactivation of unit 3 in Santa Cruz, leaving a projected deficit of 1,680 MW and an estimated impact of 1,750 MW.
The Electric Company of Havana confirmed that electrical service was interrupted in the capital for 17 hours and 37 minutes, with a maximum impact of 179 MW at 9:30 PM, and that by the end of their report, the service had not yet been restored.
The official statement acknowledged that the low availability in generation hindered compliance with the scheduled plans, although it avoided taking responsibility for the crisis, attributing it to "the demands of the SEN."
Despite the commissioning of 32 new photovoltaic solar parks, which produced 2,292 MWh and delivered a maximum of 472 MW, renewable energy generation remains insufficient to offset the system's deficits.
The recurrence of power outages of this magnitude reflects the negligence of the Cuban government in managing the National Electric System, the lack of investments in infrastructure, and the ineffectiveness of maintenance plans, leaving the population at the mercy of electrical cuts exceeding 20 hours a day in many parts of the country.
The energy crisis continues to be an obstacle to daily life, productivity, and the well-being of Cubans, with no signs of sustainable solutions in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of blackouts in Cuba?
The main cause of power outages in Cuba is the deficit in electricity generation, which has reached critical levels due to breakdowns in thermal power plants, insufficient maintenance, and chronic issues with the supply of fuel and lubricants. These structural failures, exacerbated by the lack of investment in energy infrastructure, have left millions of Cubans facing prolonged blackouts that impact both households and productive sectors.
How do power outages impact the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, affecting productivity, well-being, and quality of life. Prolonged cuts in electricity disrupt daily activities, the functioning of essential services such as hospitals and transportation systems, and create an atmosphere of uncertainty and social unrest. Moreover, the lack of a constant energy supply hinders economic activity in various sectors.
What role do renewable energies play in Cuba's energy crisis?
Despite the addition of new photovoltaic solar parks, renewable energy in Cuba is not sufficient to compensate for the deficit in the electric system. Although these parks have contributed a certain amount of megawatt-hours (MWh), renewable generation remains inadequate to meet the high demand, especially during peak hours. The lack of an effective strategy to integrate more clean energy and reduce reliance on thermal generation continues to be a challenge for the country.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to focus on the expansion of renewable energy use, but these measures have not managed to resolve the structural crisis of the electrical system. The lack of a realistic plan to overcome the dependence on outdated thermal power plants and the inability to ensure a supply of fuels have left the population without effective short-term solutions. The promises of modernization and energy improvement stand in stark contrast to the reality of constant and prolonged blackouts.
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