The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) of Cuba announced just before one in the morning this Thursday the restoration of the National Electric System (SEN), which had collapsed shortly after two in the morning on Wednesday.
"The SEN has been restored. All units that were in the process of startup are now synchronized, including unit 1 of Felton," published MINEM on X.
Shortly before, the minister of MINEM, Vicente de la O Levy, had made a similar announcement, explaining that all the units in the startup process had been connected to the system, except for unit 1 at Felton, which he stated already had its boiler lit and would be synchronized in the coming hours.
The Electric Company of Havana confirmed that all of their 860,808 customers distributed across 337 circuits were already receiving service, as well as "the 43 hospitals and the main water supply sources."
"Once again, we acknowledge the performance of our workers, who do not rest until the electric service reaches every household in Havana," concluded the state-owned company.
"Well, this time it took less time; we're making progress..." an internet user quipped sarcastically in the comments section of the post.
Third massive blackout in less than two months in Cuba.
It was the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant that caused the third collapse of the National Electric System in Cuba in less than two months.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced on social media this morning, December 4th, that the gradual restoration of the National Electric System (SEN) had begun through the "creation of islands," as had occurred in the previous two outages.
The collapse of the National Electric System in Cuba created a domino effect that severely impacted other essential basic services for the population.
The interruption of the electricity supply directly impacted the pumping and distribution of drinking water, leaving thousands of households without access to this vital resource, which has already been deteriorating in recent months.
Likewise, the supply of gas, which is crucial for cooking food, was hindered due to the lack of electricity in the processing and distribution plants.
On the other hand, internet connectivity and mobile phone services also experienced interruptions, hindering communication and access to information.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Restoration of the National Electric System in Cuba
Why did the National Electric System in Cuba collapse?
The collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba was caused by the unexpected disconnection of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant. This incident marks the third widespread blackout in less than two months, impacting not only the electricity supply but also other essential services such as drinking water, gas, and telecommunications in the country.
How is the electricity service being restored in Cuba?
The restoration of electric service is being carried out by creating "islands" of distributed generation. The Ministry of Energy and Mines has reported that this strategy allows for the progressive synchronization of units and the recovery of the system, prioritizing the connection of essential services such as hospitals and water sources. This method has been used in previous collapses.
What impact do power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages in Cuba severely impact the quality of life, disrupting essential services such as water, gas, and communication. Additionally, they create instability in daily life and cause concern and frustration among the population, who are already facing a fragile electrical system and deficiencies in infrastructure.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government is implementing recovery strategies such as the creation of electric islands and the synchronization of units. However, the situation remains critical due to the fragility of the system and the lack of generation capacity. Additionally, communication and coordination between institutions such as the Electric Union and the Ministry of Energy and Mines have shown inconsistencies, increasing uncertainty among the citizens.
Which regions in Cuba have been most affected by power outages?
The regions most affected by power outages in Cuba have been the eastern and central areas. These regions have experienced longer and more frequent interruptions in electricity supply, partly due to the disconnection of key units such as the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant and a lack of sufficient generation to meet demand.
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