In November 2024, Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) faced a series of critical challenges that resulted in widespread blackouts, difficulties in restoring power, and social unrest. The instability of the SEN was further compounded by the impact of Hurricane Rafael, which caused significant damage to energy infrastructure and led to the total disconnection of the system on several occasions.
From November 7 to 11, 2024, Cuba faced a deep energy crisis, characterized by massive blackouts, citizen protests, and challenges in restoring the electrical system following the passage of Hurricane Rafael. Below is a summary of the most notable events:
Collapse of the National Electric System (SEN)
Hurricane Rafael caused a complete disconnection of the National Electric System on November 7, affecting the entire island. Authorities reported the establishment of regional electrical subsystems to partially restore power in provinces such as Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Holguín. However, the western part of the country, including Havana, faced a slow recovery process due to severe damage to key infrastructure such as transmission towers.
Partial recovery and technical challenges
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant has resumed operations, albeit with limited capacity due to gas leaks in its system. Other thermoelectric plants, such as Felton and Renté, also encountered difficulties in stabilizing their operations. These limitations, combined with a lack of fuel and aging facilities, left large areas of the island without electricity for days, exacerbating social unrest, as reported by the Electric Union.
Impact on basic services
The energy crisis impacted other fundamental sectors. ETECSA reported serious interruptions in telecommunications services, with more than 1,400 radio bases out of service and 90,000 fixed-line subscribers affected. These shortcomings exacerbated the technological disconnection of the population and hindered communication during critical moments.
Protests and Government Response
Citizen frustration manifested in significant protests across various locations. In Encrucijada, Villa Clara, people took to the streets with loud banging on pots and pans and demonstrations outside government offices. In Havana, neighborhoods like Nuevo Vedado saw noisy protests after nearly 60 hours without electricity. The regime's response included arbitrary detentions, particularly in Villa Clara, where at least eight protesters were arrested. In Santiago de Cuba, authorities attempted to divert the unrest by organizing cultural and sports events in affected neighborhoods, as detailed by CiberCuba.
Monthly Behavior Analysis
During November 2024, Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) experienced actual maximum disruptions ranging from 1,047 MW to 1,768 MW, with a notable peak of 1,768 MW on November 6. This critical situation was attributable to breakdowns at facilities, scheduled maintenance, and fuel shortages.
The situation notably worsened between November 7 and 11, due to the impact of Hurricane Rafael and the collapse of the electrical system, which affected the entire island and led to the establishment of regional electrical subsystems.
The energy crisis led to extended blackouts, sometimes exceeding 48 hours, impacting thousands of families on the island. For instance, on November 15, service interruptions peaked at 1,385 MW overnight, affecting provinces from Mayabeque to Guantánamo.
On November 27, there were 2,628 power outages reported across the country, with Havana recording 803 incidents, followed by Matanzas with 265 and Sancti Spíritus with 247.
This situation led the Cuban government to establish a "special electricity contingency regime" that allows for planned outages lasting more than 72 hours in the event that the National Electric System cannot meet the country's electricity demand.
Throughout the last days of November, the maximum actual impact remained within a range of 1,278 MW to 1,660 MW, with a consistent forecast of significant disruptions for the following days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and the Impact of Hurricane Rafael in Cuba
What was the impact of Hurricane Rafael on the electrical system in Cuba?
Hurricane Rafael caused a complete disconnection of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) on November 7, 2024, affecting the entire island. The energy infrastructure suffered severe damage, particularly in the western part of the country, such as transmission towers, which slowed the recovery of the power supply.
How did the energy crisis affect basic services in Cuba?
The energy crisis had a significant impact on several key sectors. ETECSA reported serious disruptions in telecommunications services, affecting more than 1,400 radio bases and 90,000 landline subscribers, which hampered communication at critical times.
What measures did the Cuban government take in response to the citizen protests over power outages?
In response to significant protests in areas affected by blackouts, the government’s reaction included arbitrary detentions, particularly in Villa Clara, where at least eight protesters were arrested. In Santiago de Cuba, authorities attempted to divert discontent by organizing cultural and sporting events.
What contradictions were evident in the official discourse regarding the international aid received?
During the crisis, the Cuban regime received 100 electric generators donated by a U.S. organization, which exposed a contradiction in its narrative regarding the U.S. "blockade." These generators were intended for hospitals and basic service centers, but they failed to alleviate the widespread impact of blackouts.
What forecasts were made regarding the energy situation after Hurricane Rafael?
The Electric Union warned that electricity generation conditions would remain critical, with expected disruptions of up to 700 MW during peak hours. The instability of the National Electric System reflected the structural limitations of the system, as well as the urgent need for improvements in infrastructure and resource management.
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