The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) announced that after resolving the fault in the 110 kV line in Renté, electric service was restored in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo this Sunday.
However, he acknowledged that there were still "impacts" on the service following the repair, but these were in line with the "planned" interruptions due to the generation deficit affecting the entire country.
"Regarding the outage on the 110 kV line in Renté, which caused disruptions to the electrical service in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo. At this moment, all services that were operational before this incident have been restored. The existing disruption is planned due to a generation deficit," UNE stated on its social media.
The outage left Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and the province of Guantánamo without electricity, causing significant disruptions to essential services.
According to the state company managed by Alfredo López Valdés, the prioritized circuits in Santiago de Cuba are now operational, and efforts are being made to restore service to other circuits affected by this situation.
"Prioritized circuits are being restored in the province of Santiago de Cuba. Efforts are underway to restore electricity to other circuits following a failure in the 110 kV line in Renté, which left Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and the province of Guantánamo without power," stated official journalist Luis Alberto Portuondo Ortega on Facebook.
Widespread crisis in the SEN
The issue with the Renté line adds to the critical situation of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), which is facing a significant generation deficit. According to the UNE, the current availability of the SEN is 1,794 MW against a demand of 2,100 MW, resulting in a supply interruption of 343 MW.
It is estimated that this Monday, during peak hours, the deficit will reach 1,432 MW, and the impacts could exceed 1,500 MW if current conditions do not improve. This deficit is attributed to multiple issues, including:
- Failures in several key generating units.
- Fuel shortage affecting 57 distributed generation plants and the truck in Santiago de Cuba.
- Damage caused by Hurricane Rafael left 13 MW out of service in Artemisa, an issue that has yet to be resolved.
Discontent and resignation among the citizens
The energy situation has sparked a strong public outcry on social media, where Cubans express their frustration. "How much longer is this nightmare going to last?" questioned one user, echoing the sentiments of many. Others have pointed out inconsistencies in the data reported by UNE, arguing that the figures for demand and availability do not add up.
The comments also highlight the unequal impact of the blackouts. One user criticized that her area has been consistently affected while others have hardly experienced outages since the hurricane. Another internet user expressed resignation: "Someone wise told me to learn to live with these blackouts; they are now part of our sad reality."
The energy situation in Cuba not only impacts the quality of life for its population but also exacerbates economic and social challenges. The generation deficit restricts productive activities and essential services, deepening the sense of hopelessness among citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Electrical Crisis in Cuba
What caused the recent blackouts in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo?
The power outages were caused by a failure in the 110 kV line in Renté, leaving Santiago de Cuba, San Luis, and Guantánamo without electricity. Although service has been restored, planned disruptions are ongoing due to the generation deficit.
What is the current status of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) in Cuba?
The National Electricity System (SEN) is facing a significant generation deficit. The current availability is 1,794 MW against a demand of 2,100 MW, which has led to both planned and unplanned outages in various regions of the country.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to mitigate the energy crisis?
The government has implemented a special electricity contingency regime, which includes planned blackouts lasting more than 72 hours. The use of renewable energy is also being promoted, although these measures have yet to significantly alleviate the crisis.
How do power outages affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged power outages restrict basic activities such as cooking and refrigerating food. In some areas, these outages last up to 21 hours, causing frustration and criticism of the government's handling of the situation.
What impact does the fuel shortage have on electricity generation in Cuba?
The fuel shortage has impacted 57 distributed generation plants and the generator in Santiago de Cuba, contributing to the generation deficit and extending power outages on the island.
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