The severe energy crisis continues to affect millions of Cubans, and this Thursday a deficit of 1,176 MW is expected during peak hours, meaning widespread disruptions will reach up to 1,246 MW.
From early in the morning, the Electric Union reported on social media a capacity of only 1,949 MW against a demand of 2,070 MW, leaving 289 MW of consumers without electricity at that moment.
As the day progresses, it is expected that the impacts will reach alarming levels, with 600 MW out of service by noon and more significant outages during peak consumption hours.
Yesterday's events highlighted the severity of the situation, with continuous power outages from 5:04 a.m. until dawn. The most significant impact occurred at 6:20 p.m., when 1,355 MW were offline, leaving vast areas of the country in darkness.
The deterioration of the system is evident, with major breakdowns in key units such as Unit 6 of Nuevitas, Unit 2 of Felton, and Unit 6 of Renté, which are all out of operation.
Meanwhile, units in Cienfuegos, Santa Cruz, and Renté are under maintenance, while 48 power generation plants are offline due to a lack of fuel, along with the truck in Santiago de Cuba, which provides 37 MW. In total, technical and fuel limitations account for 281 MW out of service, worsening the crisis.
Havana is not immune to power outages
Due to its high consumption and strategic importance, the capital used to be exempt from severe disruptions, but that is no longer the case. Today, the Electric Company of Havana announced the blocks that will be without service at three key times:
Blocks 1 and 2: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Block 4: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Block 3: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
An uncertain future
Without an effective plan and resources for recovery, power outages will continue to be a constant that paralyses everyday life and the country's economic development. The uncertainty about when and how this crisis will be resolved keeps Cubans mired in despair.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity generation deficit in Cuba?
The current deficit in electricity generation in Cuba reaches 1,176 MW during peak hours, according to the latest report from the Electric Union. This deficit is due to a combination of breakdowns at several thermoelectric plants and a severe fuel shortage, exacerbating the situation of blackouts on the island.
Which areas of Cuba are most affected by power outages?
The energy crisis is affecting nearly the entire country, including Havana, which used to be exempt from severe outages. Currently, blackouts are scheduled across different areas of the capital, reflecting the seriousness of the situation at the national level.
What are the main causes of power outages in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are caused by malfunctions in key units of thermal power plants, maintenance of facilities, and a lack of fuel. The units in Mariel, Nuevitas, Felton, and Renté are out of service, and the shortage of fuel has rendered several distributed generation plants inactive.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to reintegrate some generating units and has implemented scheduled blackouts to manage the deficit. However, these measures have proven insufficient to address the underlying issue, leading to dissatisfaction and criticism among the population.
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