Endless blackouts in Cuba: Electricity deficit exceeds 1,200 MW

The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba continues to face serious generation problems, which has led to supply interruptions of more than 24 consecutive hours.

The information note issued by the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) on October 10 indicates that the generation capacity was insufficient to meet the demand on Wednesday, leading to widespread outages across the country, affecting both the population and industry.

At 7:40 PM yesterday, during peak hours, the National Electric System (SEN) recorded a maximum impact of 1,269 MW due to capacity deficits, worsened by additional problems in the western area due to adverse weather conditions.

The UNE reported a total of 1,304 MW out of service, due to demand exceeding the planned levels and the unexpected outage of unit 5 of the Mariel Thermal Power Plant (CTE).

By Thursday morning, the situation has not improved. At 07:00 hours, the available capacity in the SEN was 2,094 MW, while the demand reached 2,400 MW, resulting in a deficit of 320 MW due to a lack of generation and an additional 4 MW due to weather-related issues in the western part of the country.

Thermal power plants with breakdowns and maintenance

Among the main impacts are unit 2 of the Felton CTE, currently out of service due to a breakdown, and other important units under maintenance, such as unit 2 of the Santa Cruz CTE and unit 5 of the Renté CTE.

These limitations, combined with difficulties in fuel supply, have left 37 distributed generation power plants and the engines of the Patana de Regla out of operation, totaling 370 MW out of service.

For today's peak hour, a capacity of 2,185 MW is estimated against a demand that will reach 3,350 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,165 MW. If this situation persists, a total impact of 1,235 MW is forecasted during the afternoon peak.

Reactions on social media to the blackouts in Cuba

Cubans, outraged by the continuous blackouts, have quickly expressed their frustration on social media.

Some criticize the government's poor management in the face of this energy crisis and denounce an unequal distribution of the electric service.

"The destruction of Cuba will continue because those in charge have electricity and comforts while the people suffer," commented a user.

Another user lamented: "We are in a permanent blackout while the capital continues to be favored."

The authorities, however, have not provided details on when the service will be normalized, which adds more uncertainty to the already tense situation in the country.