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The unexpected shutdown of unit 5 at the Nuevitas Thermal Power Plant (CTE) on Saturday exacerbated an already critical energy situation in Cuba, skyrocketing blackouts to alarming levels.
According to the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), this breakdown contributed to the increase in the expected outages, which reached up to 943 MW during peak demand times, exceeding initial forecasts and severely impacting the population.
The official report indicated that this Sunday, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was 2,100 MW compared to a projected demand of 2,950 MW during peak hours, resulting in an estimated deficit of 850 MW. Disruptions throughout the day could exceed 920 MW if the system conditions are not restored.
Nuevitas: epicenter of a prolonged collapse
The Nuevitas thermoelectric plant has been a key component in electricity generation in Cuba, but it has also been one of the most vulnerable points. For years, this facility has faced recurring issues that have jeopardized the National Electric System (SEN) and, consequently, the country’s energy stability.
1. May 2024: Unit 6 of Nuevitas went out of service in less than 24 hours after being repaired. This breakdown left the plant partially inoperable and sparked criticism from the public, especially following statements from the official press that labeled these events as "normal."
2. June 2024: Unit 6 has disconnected again due to another breakdown, leaving the population in a desperate situation. These recurring failures at the plant highlight the lack of preventive maintenance and structural solutions.
3. August 2024: An unexpected shutdown of another unit in Nuevitas intensified the impacts on the National Electric System. This event sparked protests in the area, where some residents even threw stones at the power plant facilities in a demonstration of their outrage over the prolonged blackouts.
4. January 2025: The recent shutdown of unit 5 adds to this long list of incidents. The breakdown not only left the plant out of service but also raises concerns about the SEN's recovery capability in the short term.
Official measures: temporary palliatives
On several occasions, the UNE has announced emergency measures to try to mitigate the disruptions to the electrical system.
These include load redistribution, accelerated maintenance of units, and the use of distributed generation. However, the lack of fuel and structural issues have limited the effectiveness of these initiatives.
In May 2024, the UNE reported on "emerging actions" to improve the operational efficiency of thermoelectric plants. However, little has changed since then. The thermoelectric plant in Nuevitas remains an example of the challenges in implementing sustainable solutions in a system that heavily relies on outdated and poorly maintained facilities.
Reactions of the population: between exhaustion and indignation
Frequent blackouts have caused deep social unrest in Cuba. In areas near Nuevitas, including the city itself, protests have been a constant occurrence.
Residents have criticized the lack of transparency from the authorities and their inability to effectively resolve issues. Prolonged service interruptions impact both domestic life and the economy, limiting essential activities such as food preservation and industrial production.
A resident of Nuevitas commented on social media: "We are fed up with living in the dark, with there being no real solutions. While the authorities talk about normalcy, we continue to be without electricity, without ventilation, and unable to cook."
Another resident of Camagüey added: “This is not living. We have been like this for years, and it doesn’t seem like it’s going to get better. The same pipes keep breaking over and over again. What are they waiting for to really fix this?”
Impact on daily life
The instability of the SEN affects all aspects of daily life in Cuba. Households rely on electricity not only for lighting and ventilation but also for the refrigeration of food and medicine, especially in a context of widespread scarcity.
Power outages also hinder access to drinking water in communities where the supply depends on electric pumps.
Additionally, the economic sector suffers severely from these interruptions. Industries, small businesses, and educational centers face constant shutdowns, which impact productivity and the well-being of the population.
A collapsed system with no clear solutions
The energy situation in Cuba reflects structural problems that have remained unresolved for decades.
The dependence on outdated thermoelectric plants, such as Nuevitas, and the lack of investment in renewable energy or modern technology have left the country in a vulnerable position.
Authorities have promised improvements in the medium term, but the reality on the ground proves otherwise. Meanwhile, the Cuban population continues to face daily blackouts, poor services, and a declining quality of life.
The recent breakdown at unit 5 in Nuevitas is not just another incident, but rather evidence of the inability of the Cuban electrical system to meet the basic needs of the population.
Without a comprehensive solution that addresses the structural causes of these failures, power outages will continue to be a part of daily life in Cuba, exacerbating the already precarious economic and social situation in the country.
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