The National Electric System (SEN) remains in a critical situation this February 13, with widespread blackouts that have exceeded even 24 consecutive hours in some areas of the country.
According to official data, the highest impact on the service yesterday reached 1,779 MW at 7:20 p.m., coinciding with the peak demand. This figure is lower than the 1,870 estimated by UNE for yesterday, but it still sets a record.
The outlook for blackouts does not improve for today, as the UNE estimates more than 1,800 MW of outages once again.
The crisis continued early this morning, with an availability of just 1,200 MW against a demand of 2,300 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,147 MW in electricity supply.
The generation landscape is bleak.
A total of 10 thermoelectric units in the country are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance.
Six units are out of service: unit 3 of the CTE Santa Cruz; units 5 and 6 of the CTE Nuevitas; unit 6 of the CTE Renté; and units 1 and 2 of the CTE Felton
Four others are under maintenance: Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Units 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of the CTE Renté.
The limitations in thermal generation reach 235 MW, while the lack of fuel has rendered 59 distributed generation plants (340 MW) out of service, in addition to the Melones plant (155 MW) and the Regla plant (45 MW), totaling 540 MW affected by this issue.
Forecast for peak hours
Authorities estimate that some equipment will be operational by late afternoon to evening, including unit 3 of the Santa Cruz CTE, with 60 MW; nine engines at the Melones site, with 155 MW; and five engines at the Regla site, with 45 MW.
However, these additions will not be enough to meet the demand.
A availability of 1,460 MW is expected, while demand could reach 3,200 MW.
This will create a deficit of 1,740 MW and an estimated impact of 1,810 MW during peak consumption hours.
Havana has not escaped the crisis.
The Electric Company of Havana issued three informational notes in recent hours indicating that, due to "minimal availability" in the base generation of the National Electric System (SEN), it has not been possible to meet the demand, which forced the extension of the planned blackout schedule in the capital.
In Havana, the forecast for disruptions today is as follows:
-From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Blocks #3 and #4.
From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Blocks #1 and #2.
-From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Blocks #3 and #4.
The situation at the national level is truly critical, and this is how indicated this Thursday morning journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso on Facebook.
"Cuba reports the highest days of electricity generation capacity deficit in recent months, perhaps years. By dawn this Thursday, a large part of the country is without electric service", the journalist admitted.
Alonso added that numerous users have reported that power outages exceed 20 hours in some areas.
However, some reports on social media indicate that the interruptions exceed even 24 hours of continuous blackout.
Numerous internet users have erupted with anguish and frustration on social media in recent hours, as some are witnessing their refrigerated food beginning to spoil.
"We are on the brink of another massive blackout", stated with bitterness one of the thousands of internet users on social media who are fed up with the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, regardless of whether it is summer or winter.
This Wednesday, the Electric Union (UNE) announced that unit 1 of the Thermoelectric Power Plant, which went out of service on Tuesday due to a malfunction, will not be able to reintegrate into the National Electric System (SEN) for approximately 20 days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
How many thermal power plants are out of service in Cuba?
In Cuba, there are a total of 10 thermoelectric units out of service, six due to breakdowns and four in maintenance. This situation has significantly contributed to the electricity generation deficit the country is facing.
How does the lack of fuel affect electricity generation in Cuba?
The lack of fuel has taken 59 distributed generation plants out of service, resulting in a total of 340 MW affected. This fuel shortage is a critical factor that further exacerbates the energy crisis in the country.
What is the impact of blackouts on the Cuban population?
Blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, affecting essential activities such as cooking and the use of appliances. The population is experiencing increasing discontent due to the constant and prolonged interruptions of electricity service, which also generates frustration and protests in various regions of the country.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented some measures to mitigate the crisis, such as the addition of extra equipment to generate electricity. However, these actions have not been sufficient to resolve the energy crisis in the long term, and the population continues to suffer the effects of blackouts.
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