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The energy crisis in Cuba is worsening with an electricity generation deficit that has exceeded 1,600 MW in recent hours, severely impacting the population and causing blackouts across the country.
According to the Cuban Electric Union (UNE), the maximum deficit recorded on February 17 was 1,695 MW, while for February 18, a disruption of up to 1,620 MW is anticipated during peak hours, with a greater impact in the central-eastern region of the country.
On February 17, the electrical service was affected for 24 hours, a situation that lasted until the early hours of February 18. The maximum impact was 1,695 MW at 6:40 PM, coinciding with the peak demand time. This figure exceeded initial forecasts due to the failure to bring six engines online at the Melones site and a demand that was higher than planned.
As of 7:00 a.m. on February 18, the availability of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) is 1,520 MW, while the demand reaches 2,400 MW, resulting in a deficit of 915 MW. It is estimated that around noon, the shortfall will increase to 1,350 MW, with a greater impact in the central-eastern region of the country.
Several thermoelectric plants are experiencing breakdowns or are undergoing maintenance. The Unit 3 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 5 of the CTE Diez de Octubre, and Units 1 and 2 of the CTE Felton are out of service. Under maintenance are 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 amount to 272 MW.
In addition to the breakdowns, the lack of fuel has caused 62 distributed generation plants to be out of service, which represents an impact of 441 MW. Unit 6 of the CTE Renté is also non-operational for the same reason, adding another 60 MW to the deficit. In total, 501 MW are out of service due to the fuel shortage.
For peak hours, the UNE estimates a recovery of 80 MW from distributed generation motors, the commissioning of Unit 3 at the CTE Santa Cruz with 55 MW, the activation of 5 motors at the Melones site with 85 MW, and the reactivation of Unit 6 at the CTE Renté with 60 MW. Even with these contributions, the maximum availability will only reach 1,800 MW, while demand could rise to 3,350 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,550 MW and blackouts of up to 1,620 MW.
In Havana, the Electric Company reported that power outages will be scheduled as follows. Blocks 3 and 4 will be without service from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Then, block 1 will be affected until 5:00 p.m., and block 2 will have no electricity from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Authorities have set up channels on Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, in addition to the number 18888, for the public to communicate and receive updated information.
The energy crisis in Cuba continues to show no signs of immediate improvement. The combination of outages, scheduled maintenance, and fuel shortages keeps the population in a state of uncertainty and despair, with power outages lasting throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of power outages in Cuba?
The blackouts in Cuba are due to a deficit in electricity generation caused by breakdowns and maintenance in thermoelectric plants, as well as by a shortage of fuel affecting distributed generation plants. This combination of factors has led to an inability to meet the national demand for electricity.
How are blackouts affecting Cuban citizens?
Blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, hindering essential activities such as cooking and the use of household appliances. Additionally, they affect the economy and create increasing social discontent due to the constant and prolonged interruptions of electrical service.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has been inadequate in its response to the energy crisis. Effective long-term solutions have not been implemented, and the population continues to suffer the effects of power outages. Promises of improvement have not materialized, leading to frustration and protests in various regions of the country.
Are the blackouts in Cuba expected to continue in the coming days?
Blackouts are expected to continue impacting Cuba, as the availability of electricity generation remains significantly lower than demand. In the coming days, disruptions in the electric service are forecasted that could exceed 1,000 MW during peak hours, further aggravating the current situation.
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