The outlook for blackouts is worsening day by day. While on Saturday there were nine thermoelectric units out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance, this Sunday the number has risen to ten.
The Electric Union (UNE) forecasts an impact of 1630 MW during peak demand hours for today.
Yesterday, the service was affected by a capacity deficit for 24 hours, and it remained this way throughout the early hours of today. The situation worsened at 6:40 PM, when the peak reached 1,642 MW shortfall, a figure exceeding the planned 1,557 MW due to the mobile units of Regla and unit 6 of the CTE Renté not coming online.
This Sunday at 7:00 AM, there were already 800 MW affected. By noon, it is estimated that the number will rise to 1400 MW, with a greater impact in the central-eastern region.
If there were five malfunctioning thermal units the day before, today there are seven: the 3 from CTE Santa Cruz, the 5 and 6 from CTE Nuevitas, the 1 and 2 from CTE Felton, and the 3 and 6 from CTE Renté.
The following four are under maintenance from the previous day: Line 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Lines 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos, and Line 5 of the CTE Renté.
The limitations in thermal generation are 250 MW.
Additionally, there are 83 distributed generation plants out of service due to a lack of fuel, along with 68 MW at the fuel plant in Mariel for the same reason. This totals 520 MW affected by this issue.
During peak hours, the entry of Units 5 and 6 of the Nuevitas CTE (120 MW), Unit 6 of the Renté CTE (60 MW), and the recovery of 80 MW from distributed generation engines is expected.
According to the report from UNE, a availability of 1590 MW is estimated for that time, with a maximum demand of 3150 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1560 MW. Therefore, if the expected conditions persist, an impact of 1630 MW is anticipated.
Frequently asked questions about blackouts in Cuba
Why are blackouts occurring in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a deficit in electricity generation caused by the shutdown of several thermoelectric units due to breakdowns and maintenance, as well as the fuel shortages affecting distributed generation plants.
How do power outages affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, hindering essential activities such as cooking food and using appliances. The lack of electricity affects the economy and the general well-being of the population, generating growing social discontent due to the constant and prolonged interruptions of electrical service.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The response from the Cuban government has been insufficient to resolve 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.
What is the forecast for blackouts in Cuba over the next few days?
According to the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba, power outages are expected to continue affecting the country, with electricity generation availability well below demand. In the coming days, power service disruptions are forecasted to exceed 1,000 MW during peak hours, further worsening the current situation.
Filed under: