Related videos:
The energy crisis in Cuba continues to deepen, impacting not only labor and educational activities but also national transportation.
The Viajero Reservation Services Company, together with the Ministry of Transport, issued an official statement announcing the reduction of its operations and apologized for any inconvenience this measure may cause.
All passengers in the country were informed that on Friday, February 14, the agencies will provide service only until 12:00 noon, in order to contribute to energy savings. However, the sales cycle will continue, offering tickets for March 16 and 17 of this year.
Suspension of work and teaching activities this weekend
This Thursday, the Cuban government announced the suspension of labor and teaching activities for Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15, due to the severe energy crisis the country is facing.
"Considering the energy situation facing the country and with the aim of contributing to the necessary savings in electricity consumption to alleviate the impact on the population, it has been decided to suspend non-essential teaching and work activities on February 14 and 15," reported the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS).
The official note clarifies that basic services for the population will be maintained and that workers affected by the measure will receive "a protection equivalent to the salary scale of the position they hold, in accordance with the provisions established in the Labor Code."
The collapse of the Cuban energy system
Lázaro Guerra, general director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), warned that the situation would be particularly complicated, although an "improvement in service disruptions" is expected.
The Electric Union (UNE) reported a 56% deficit in national demand on Thursday, equivalent to 1,810 MW during peak consumption hours. Ten thermal units were out of service: six due to faults and four for maintenance.
Additionally, 59 distributed generation plants and two floating plants (patanas) have gone out of service due to a lack of fuel (bunker oil and diesel).
In recent days, several cities have experienced power outages lasting over 20 hours, including Havana, where the electric company has scheduled service interruptions of at least six hours.
Power outage forecast for February 14
The UNE announced that power outages could reach 1,435 MW during the peak hour this Friday. Although this is lower than the forecast from the previous day, the deficit remains alarming, predicting a dark Valentine's Day for millions of Cubans.
The thermal power units out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance have decreased from 10 to seven, indicating a slight improvement. However, there are still thermal restrictions leaving 331 MW out of service, in addition to the 493 MW affected by a lack of fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why were work and educational activities suspended in Cuba?
Work and teaching activities have been suspended in Cuba due to the severe energy crisis the country is facing. The government aims to contribute to energy savings by suspending non-essential operations in order to mitigate the impact on the population.
How is the energy crisis affecting transportation in Cuba?
The energy crisis has led to a reduction of operations in national transportation, particularly affecting travelers who must contend with service limitations and restricted schedules. However, ticket sales for future dates are still maintained as part of the measures to manage the situation.
What is the current state of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electrical system in Cuba is in a critical state, with a 56% deficit of national demand due to thermal power units being out of service and a lack of fuel. This has resulted in massive and prolonged blackouts that affect the daily lives of citizens.
What measures has the government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has suspended non-essential work and teaching activities and has implemented energy-saving measures. Despite these efforts, the lack of structural investment and fuel has hindered an effective solution to the crisis.
What impact do blackouts have on the Cuban population?
Blackouts in Cuba severely affect daily life, limiting access to basic services and increasing social discontent. The situation has sparked protests and criticism of the government, highlighting the urgency for reforms in the electric sector.
Filed under:
