The lack of fuel exacerbates blackouts in Cuba: The UNE predicts a black Tuesday

As a change, today there is only one broken thermoelectric unit, but the situation escalates due to the lack of fuel.

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The daily report from Unión Eléctrica (UNE) forecasts a Tuesday with 1,677 MW of outages.

On this occasion, the drama escalates due to the 911 MW affected by the lack of fuel.

The breakdown of MW affected by lack of fuel is as follows:

-84 distributed generation plants out of service (571 MW).

- Central fuel plant of Moa (147 MW).

-Patana de Regla (54 MW).

-Eight engines in the Melones Patana (139 MW).

Total affected by lack of fuel: 911 MW.

For a change, today there is only one broken thermoelectric unit, although another five are under maintenance.

Only unit 2 of the Felton CTE is out of service due to a malfunction.

Five units are scheduled for maintenance: unit 6 from CTE Mariel; unit 2 from CTE Santa Cruz; units 3 and 4 from CTE Cienfuegos; and unit 5 from CTE Renté.

Additionally, 430 MW are out of service due to restrictions on the capacity of thermal plants.

How did the power outages behave this Monday?

Yesterday, the electricity service was affected around the clock due to a capacity deficit, a situation that continued throughout the early hours of today.

The peak impact occurred at 7:10 p.m., with a total of 1,591 MW, coinciding with the time of highest demand.

As of 7:00 a.m. today, the availability of the SEN was 1,443 MW, while the demand reached 2,380 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,008 MW.

By noon this Tuesday, it is estimated that the impact will rise to 1,400 MW, a very high figure.

Facebook capture/Electric Union UNE

Good news?

Few: Only a recovery of 150 MW is expected in distributed generation engines that are currently out of service due to a lack of fuel.

With this scenario, it is projected for peak hours:

Estimated availability: 1,593 MW.

Expected maximum demand: 3,200 MW.

Estimated deficit: 1,607 MW.

Forecasted impact: 1677 MW.

If current conditions persist, a day with severe interruptions in the electricity service is expected during peak consumption hours.

Power outage schedule for today in Havana

The Electric Company of Havana, for its part, informed its customers that "taking into account the generation deficit in the National Electroenergetic System," today's blackout schedule will be as follows:

-Blocks #3 and #4 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

-Starting at 3:00 p.m., there will be a rotation for block #2, which will be affected until 7:00 p.m.

-Block #1 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Facebook Capture/Electric Company of Havana

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Cuba

What is the main cause of blackouts in Cuba?

Power outages in Cuba are primarily caused by a deficit in electricity generation capacity due to a lack of fuel and breakdowns in thermoelectric units. This prevents the National Electric System (SEN) from meeting the country's energy demand, resulting in prolonged and frequent electricity cuts.

What impacts electricity generation in Cuba more: equipment breakdowns or the lack of fuel?

Both factors are critical, but the lack of fuel is currently the main cause of blackouts in Cuba. In the recent report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), 911 MW were reported affected due to the lack of fuel, which exceeds the impact of breakdowns in the thermoelectric units.

What is the current electricity deficit in Cuba?

The electric deficit in Cuba is significant. For Tuesday, a deficit of 1,607 MW was forecasted, which resulted in scheduled blackouts throughout the country. This deficit particularly increases during peak demand times, such as in the evening and nighttime hours.

How do these blackouts affect the daily life of Cubans?

Blackouts severely impact daily life in Cuba, interrupting essential activities such as cooking and the use of appliances. Additionally, they generate frustration and discontent among the population, negatively affecting the economy and quality of life.

What is the Cuban government doing to address the energy crisis?

The Cuban government has not implemented effective long-term solutions to resolve the energy crisis. Although promises of improvement have been made, they have not materialized, leaving the population in a state of uncertainty and growing discontent.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.