Minister of Energy and Mines: "The electrical system is fragile."

Vicente De La O Levy, Cuba's Minister of Energy and Mines, addressed comments regarding a new collapse of the national electric power system (SEN), assuring that the conditions are not conducive to a widespread blackout, although he did confirm that "the electrical system is fragile."

"The conditions are not right for the SEN to collapse; the system is weak, there is a significant generation deficit, particularly with fuel, but we are not at zero," the official wrote on social media platform X.

De La O Levy added that the barges have fuel, but that there is "a complicated logistical situation that we are resolving."

His statements were elaborated upon by the official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, who indicated that "the conditions are not the same as those that led to the collapse of the electrical system weeks ago." However, the Felton thermoelectric plant, as well as units from Santa Cruz and Renté, are currently outside the National Electric System (SEN), in addition to the breakdown at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Power Plant in Cienfuegos.

Regarding fuel availability, it was reported that there is fuel in the country; however, the arrival of reserves has been complicated due to "the state of the sea," which has "prevented the docking of the vessels that transport it."

The official stated that there should be an improvement in the situation starting this weekend, "with disruptions around 500 to 600 MW, of which 100 MW will be in Havana and the rest distributed across the other provinces."

For several days, users on social media have expressed their frustration and despair regarding the situation, warning about the severe consequences of a prolonged collapse on the island, particularly in the central-eastern region, which has been the most affected by power outages.

Furthermore, criticism persists regarding the management of fuel supply and the inequalities in energy distribution, particularly concerning Havana, which has experienced lesser impact compared to other provinces.

For this Thursday, the generation deficit is nearing 1,600 MW, with an estimated availability of 1,630 MW during peak hours and a maximum demand of 3,150 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,520 MW. If the expected conditions persist, a shortfall of 1,590 MW is anticipated during this period, with a greater impact in the central-eastern region, according to a statement from the national electric utility.