On the night of this Friday, a general disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN) occurred in Cuba due to a failure at the Diezmero substation, as reported by the Ministry of Energy and Mines on X.
The break caused a "significant" loss of generation in the western part of Cuba, leading to the fall of the SEN, said the regime entity. "Work is already underway on the recovery process."
According to information shared on social media by the official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, the disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN) was due to a high fluctuation in the system. "The causes and magnitude of the incident are being investigated," said the regime's spokesperson on Facebook.
Previously, Alonso had communicated that several provinces were reporting municipalities without electricity.
In several Facebook accounts, such as La Tijera's, in response to the question of whether Cubans have electricity, hundreds confirmed that they do not.
Residents in Havana, Guantánamo, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Camagüey, Holguín, Las Tunas agreed that electricity had gone out in their areas.
In the opinion of some, the voltage was unstable and the lights were flickering, until the power went out completely.
On the other hand, a from the Electric Company of Holguín explained that after disconnecting from the National Electric System (SEN), it was necessary to start creating "Islands" to first connect to the thermal power plants and then, subsequently, link to the system.
The last collapse of the SEN occurred in December 2024, as a result of an unexpected shutdown of the country's largest thermoelectric plant, the Antonio Guiteras in Matanzas.
With that, they have added three since October 18, reflecting the deep crisis facing the electricity sector in the country.
For this Friday, the UNE estimated a partial recovery of 160 MW, including the commissioning of unit 6 at the Rente CTE. However, availability would still be insufficient, with 1,940 MW available against a maximum demand of 3,250 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,310 MW and an estimated impact of 1,380 MW.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why did the last blackout occur in Cuba?
The last nationwide blackout in Cuba was due to a malfunction at the Diezmero substation, which caused a disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN) and primarily affected the western part of the country. This situation is part of a series of recurring failures that reflect the profound crisis in the Cuban electrical system.
What are the recurring causes of blackouts in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are caused by breakdowns in the electrical infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and a deficit in electricity generation that fails to meet demand. Insufficient investment in the system and natural phenomena also contribute to worsening the situation, resulting in prolonged and frequent blackouts.
What impact do these blackouts have on the daily life of Cubans?
Blackouts have a severe impact on the daily lives of Cubans, affecting access to essential services such as drinking water, electricity, and cooking gas. They also disrupt communications by affecting internet connectivity and mobile phone services, increasing dissatisfaction and frustration among the population.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented measures such as the creation of "islands" of generation and the purchase of fuels to try to restore the electricity supply. However, these actions have been insufficient, and the lack of a clear and effective strategy remains evident, prolonging the energy crisis on the island.
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