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The Cuban Electric Union reported on the critical situation of the National Electric System (SEN) for this Tuesday, January 28, 2025, marked by power outages exceeding those planned and a generation deficit that will primarily affect the central-eastern region of the country.
On Monday, January 27, the power outages extended from 6:05 a.m. to 1:32 a.m. on Tuesday. The maximum impact reached 1,555 MW at 6:50 p.m., coinciding with peak demand time.
The situation worsened due to the unexpected shutdown of unit 5 at the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Power Plant and the lack of input from the fuel engines at the Mariel plant.
Current conditions of the SEN
At 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, the availability of the SEN stood at 1,880 MW, while demand reached 2,150 MW, resulting in a deficit of 502 MW in the central-eastern region due to high energy transfers to that area.
At noon, the impact is expected to rise to 950 MW, mostly concentrated in the central and eastern regions of the country.
Main causes of the impacts
Currently, the SEN is facing multiple breakdowns and limitations in electricity generation
Units out of service:
- Unit 5 of CTE Nuevitas.
- Unit 2 of the CTE Felton.
- Units under maintenance:
- Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz.
- Units 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos.
- Unit 5 of CTE Renté.
Distributed generation is also facing issues due to a lack of fuel in 45 plants, resulting in 247 MW impacted. The Moa fuel plant, for its part, is leaving 126 MW out of service. In total, thermal limitations amount to 348 MW, and the impact from the lack of fuel reaches 373 MW.
Forecasts for peak hours this January 28
Tonight, a capacity of 1,880 MW is expected against a maximum demand of 3,250 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,370 MW. If these conditions persist, a shortfall of up to 1,440 MW is forecasted during peak hours, particularly impacting the central and eastern provinces of the country.
The UNE urged the population and the business sector to moderate energy consumption as much as possible to mitigate the expected impacts.
The inadequacy of electricity generation continues to highlight the structural difficulties of Cuba's energy system, exacerbated by a lack of maintenance, constant breakdowns, and fuel shortages. This crisis severely impacts the daily lives of Cubans, and the government is not providing solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The situation of the electricity system in Cuba is critical, with a generation deficit exceeding 1,300 MW. This results in frequent and prolonged blackouts that severely impact the population, particularly in the central and eastern regions of the country.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The blackouts in Cuba are primarily the result of failures and maintenance work in several thermoelectric units, as well as a lack of fuel affecting distributed generation plants. These limitations hinder the proper fulfillment of the country's electricity demand, exacerbating the energy crisis.
How do power outages impact the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts significantly impact the daily lives of Cubans, hindering essential activities such as cooking, refrigerating food, and maintaining lighting in homes. Additionally, they generate frustration and social discontent, also affecting basic services such as healthcare and water supply.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
Until now, the measures implemented by the Cuban government have been insufficient to resolve the energy crisis. Effective long-term solutions have not been established, and the population continues to suffer from the effects of power outages, leading to growing discontent and protests in various regions.
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