The Electric Union (UNE) of Cuba reported on Saturday that the National Electric System (SEN) is facing a critical generation deficit, estimated at over 1,500 MW during peak demand hours.
In its information note published on social media, the UNE specified that the most affected provinces range from Mayabeque to Guantánamo, where service interruptions reached a peak of 1,385 MW on the night of November 15.
"The state-owned company specified that during peak hours, it is estimated that there will be a supply of 1,660 MW and a maximum demand of 3,100 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,440 MW. If conditions remain as expected, an impact of 1,510 MW is forecasted during this time."
Additionally, the UNE acknowledged that at 7:00 a.m. this Saturday, the availability of the SEN was 1,560 MW, while the demand was 2,154 MW, resulting in an immediate deficit of 518 MW.
With five thermoelectric units disconnected from the National Electric System due to breakdowns (unit 5 of the Mariel CTE, unit 6 of the Nuevitas CTE, unit 2 of the Felton CTE, and units 3 and 6 of the Renté CTE), the electricity generation situation in the country remains critical.
In addition to the malfunctioning units, there are four other thermal power plant units out of service due to maintenance (unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant, units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant, and unit 5 of the Renté Thermoelectric Plant), resulting in a total loss of 351 MW.
In distributed generation, 53 plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, resulting in an additional deficit of 509 MW.
The day before, the company led by Alfredo López Valdés reported "impacts" of up to 1,330 MW nationwide. This Saturday, the UNE acknowledged that the maximum impact was 1,385 MW at 6:20 PM, coinciding with peak demand.
The Cuban regime has yet to fully restore the electricity supply, and power outages remain a part of daily life for a population that is increasingly voicing its discontent with this situation, whether through loud protests or demonstrations in the streets.
On October 16, 2024, residents of Báguanos, Holguín, protested against the widespread power outages that have disrupted their daily lives.
Subsequently, on October 21, during the third night of a widespread blackout, protests took place in Havana and other regions, such as Manicaragua, where the frustration of residents reached a peak after several consecutive days without electricity and water.
These demonstrations reflect the increasing discontent of the population regarding the energy crisis the island is facing, as well as the diminishing coercive power of the regime's authorities, who continue to threaten and intimidate those who choose to protest.
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