The national electric power system (SEN) completely collapsed again early Wednesday morning due to an unexpected shutdown of the country's largest thermal power plant, Antonio Guiteras.
The Electric Company of Havana communicated this through its Telegram channel, stating that the outage occurred at 2:08 AM and that efforts are underway to restore service.
It seems that the text you provided is incomplete. Please provide the full text so I can assist you with the translation.02:08 hoursThis morning, there was a...total disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN)"by the shot from the automatic of the"CTE Antonio Guiteras de Matanzas"We are working on the restoration process," the company reported.
New electrical system collapse in Cuba: The energy crisis worsens.
This new collapse of the SEN, the third to occur in Cuba since October 18, reflects the deep crisis facing the country's electricity sector. The Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, located in Matanzas, has repeatedly been at the center of these events due to its structural deterioration and the challenges in ensuring proper maintenance.
The energy crisis in Cuba has intensified since last October, when a nationwide blackout occurred on the 18th of that month due to the total disconnection of the National Electroenergy System (SEN), caused by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the most significant in the country. This event left the entire island without electricity and sparked a wave of criticism on social media, where Cubans expressed their outrage over the lack of solutions. Miguel Díaz-Canel himself had to publicly address the situation, promising to work tirelessly to resolve the issue.
The collapse of the electrical system was reported by international media outlets such as The New York Times and CNN, which highlighted the serious implications of this situation in a country already suffering from an economic and social crisis. Meanwhile, the population faced prolonged blackouts of up to 20 hours a day, turning to the buying and selling of charcoal and waiting in long lines to obtain liquefied gas as alternatives for cooking. The desperation caused by the lack of electricity even sparked protests and demonstrations in several locations.
In the following weeks, the situation continued to deteriorate. On October 21, new damages were reported in the East, exacerbated by the impact of Hurricane Oscar, which caused severe destruction in provinces such as Guantánamo and Holguín. Despite government efforts to stabilize the electricity supply, power outages persisted, and social frustration mounted.
In November, the Electric Union reported significant damage to the electrical infrastructure in provinces such as Granma due to strong earthquakes that left thousands of homes without electricity. Additionally, on November 17, the electricity generation deficit exceeded 1,400 MW, leading to prolonged blackouts in various regions of the country. This deficit was attributed to malfunctions in several thermoelectric plants and a lack of fuel, issues that the regime was unable to address effectively.
The month of December began with a new widespread blackout that affected Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo, leaving several municipalities without electricity due to a failure in the 110 kV line of the Renté Thermal Power Plant. This incident, reported on December 2, highlighted the fragility of the national electric system and the government's inability to prevent such events.
The repeated power outages and the lack of clear answers have kept the Cuban population on edge, as they continue to demand immediate solutions to an energy crisis that seems unending.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why did the National Electric Power System (SEN) collapse in Cuba?
The collapse of the National Electric System in Cuba is mainly due to the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant. This plant is the largest and most important in the country, and its deteriorating condition has led to repeated failures. The lack of investment and maintenance in the electrical infrastructure has worsened the situation, resulting in widespread blackouts across the island.
What consequences has the energy crisis had on the population in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has forced the population to endure power outages of up to 20 hours a day, severely impacting their quality of life. The lack of electricity has restricted access to food, water, and medical services, leading to protests and increased social discontent in various regions of the country.
What is the Cuban government doing to resolve the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised to work tirelessly to resolve the energy crisis, but so far the solutions have been insufficient. Despite efforts to recover the National Electric System through the implementation of "microsystems" and the purchase of fuels and supplies, the lack of a clear and effective strategy remains evident.
How is the energy crisis affecting Cuba's electrical system?
The energy crisis is highlighting the fragility and obsolescence of the Cuban electric system. With multiple thermoelectric plants out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance, the deficit in electricity generation is significant. This has resulted in prolonged blackouts and repeated failures in the power supply across various regions of the island.
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