The energy situation in Cuba remains critical, and this Friday, the Electric Union (UNE) reported a capacity of 1,610 MW against a demand of 2,000 MW at 7:00 a.m., resulting in a deficit of 456 MW.
According to the daily report published on Facebook, during peak hours, a capacity of 1745 MW is expected against an estimated demand of 3100 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1355 MW and a projected impact of 1425 MW.
Additionally, 8 MW remain offline in Artemisa due to damage caused by Hurricane Rafael. This situation highlights the ongoing issue of widespread blackouts that impact both the population and productive sectors.
Yesterday, the generation deficit caused interruptions from 5:34 a.m. to 12:27 a.m. today, with a maximum impact of 1,466 MW at 6:10 p.m.
Generation conditions are worsening due to breakdowns in key units: Unit 5 at the Mariel power plant and Units 3 and 6 at the Renté power plant. Additionally, other plants are under maintenance, such as the Santa Cruz power plant and others in Cienfuegos and Nuevitas.
Distributed generation also faces challenges, with 30 plants out of service due to a lack of fuel, resulting in a total of 334 MW affected. Although the entry of the CDE Moa with 135 MW is expected during peak hours, the crisis remains far from resolved, with limited thermal capacity and recurring breakdowns.
The energy deficit, exacerbated by weather phenomena and structural issues, keeps Cuba in a state of uncertainty, where blackouts are a part of daily life for millions of Cubans, with no light in sight at the end of the long tunnel.
A "good" news.
Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) announced early Friday morning that the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermoelectric Power Plant, known as Felton, is back in operation.
"ETE 'Lidio Ramón Pérez' Felton at 220 MW contributing once again to the National Electric System," the UNE published on its social media shortly before 7 AM on December 6th.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation regarding blackouts in Cuba?
The energy situation in Cuba is critical, with frequent blackouts due to a deficit in electricity generation. Currently, daily interruptions in supply are reported due to the insufficient capacity of power plants, which are affected by breakdowns and a lack of fuel. This issue is exacerbated by damage caused by recent weather phenomena.
What are the causes behind the energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba is due to multiple factors, including breakdowns in generation units, maintenance of key plants, and a severe fuel shortage. Additionally, natural phenomena such as Hurricane Rafael have impacted electrical infrastructure, increasing the challenges of meeting energy demand on the island.
How do blackouts affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages severely impact the quality of life for Cubans, causing interruptions in daily activities and economic losses due to wasted food and damage to electrical appliances. Additionally, the atmosphere of uncertainty and social unrest is intensified by the lack of short-term solutions and criticism of the government's handling of the crisis.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to mitigate the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced the reintegration of some generating units and has regulated power outages through Decree 110, which allows for planned outages. However, these measures have not been sufficient to address the underlying issues, leading to discontent and criticism among the populace.
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