For the umpteenth time in recent months, Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) exceeded the forecasted power outages for the day. While 1,481 MW were expected, outages affected 1,548 MW due to a shortfall in generation capacity.
December has not started well in terms of energy in Cuba, as today eight thermoelectric units remain out of service, and during peak hours, 1,436 MW of power outages are expected, which, as usual, is likely to be even higher.
The service was restored at 2:36 a.m., but it began to be affected again at 5:12 a.m. Therefore, the availability of the SEN at 7:00 a.m. was 1,740 MW, while the demand was 2,140 MW, resulting in a deficit of generation of 440 MW.
The number of daytime power outages will be around 750 MW.
Three units are currently out of service: Unit 5 of CTE Mariel, Unit 6 of CTE Renté, and Unit 2 of CTE Felton.
Five units are under maintenance: unit 2 of the Santa Cruz power plant, units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos power plant, unit 6 of the Nuevitas power plant, and unit 5 of the Renté power plant.
The unit that is expected to be incorporated soonest - at least among those currently under maintenance - will not be until December 9, as stated by Lázaro Guerra Hernández, General Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), in remarks to Cuban Television.
The limitations in thermal generation are 294 MW.
Sixty-two distributed generation plants, totaling 313 MW, and the truck in Santiago de Cuba, with 65 MW, are currently out of service due to fuel issues, resulting in a total impact of 378 MW.
For the peak period, the entry of unit 1 of Energás Boca de Jaruco is anticipated, along with the completion of the combined cycle with 50 MW and two engines in the Santiago de Cuba area, totaling 24 MW.
With this forecast, a capacity of 1,814 MW is expected during peak hours, with a maximum demand of 3,180 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,366 MW.
De mantenerse las condiciones previstas se pronostica una afectación de 1,436 MW en este horario.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Cuba
Why are there constant blackouts in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are due to a deficit in electricity generation capacity, caused by breakdowns in several thermoelectric units and a lack of fuel for distributed generation plants.
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The situation of the electrical system in Cuba is critical, with outages exceeding 1,400 MW during peak hours, and demand significantly surpassing the available generation capacity.
What impact do blackouts have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages severely impact daily life, hindering essential activities such as cooking and using household appliances. Furthermore, they create frustration and increasing discontent among the population due to their frequency and duration.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to this crisis?
So far, the government's measures have been insufficient to resolve the crisis. Effective long-term solutions have not been implemented, and promises of improvement have not materialized, leading to protests and unrest among the population.
What are the projections for electric supply in Cuba?
Projections indicate that blackouts will continue due to the system's inability to meet demand. While some reintegrations of thermal power units are expected, no short-term solution is anticipated to stabilize the electrical situation.
Filed under:
