Related videos:
The energy crisis in Cuba continues to worsen, with a power generation deficit exceeding 1,300 megawatts (MW), as reported this Tuesday by the Cuban Electric Union (UNE).
According to the official report, the electricity service was restored on Monday at 11:36 p.m., but the interruptions returned at 6:20 a.m. on Tuesday. The highest impact the previous day reached 1,377 MW at 7:00 p.m., a critical level although it did not coincide with peak demand hours.
The availability of electric generation in the country at 7:00 a.m. was 1,800 MW, while the demand reached 1,950 MW, resulting in 186 MW affected. By the afternoon, the UNE anticipates an increase in the affected capacity, which could reach 850 MW.
An endless crisis
Currently, there are reported outages at the unit 6 of the CTE Renté and the unit 2 of the CTE Felton. Additionally, several plants are under maintenance, including the unit 6 of Mariel, the unit 2 of Santa Cruz, the units 3 and 4 of Cienfuegos, and the unit 5 of Renté. There are also limitations in thermal generation of 435 MW, exacerbated by a lack of fuel, which has left 42 distributed generation plants out of service, resulting in an impact of 176 MW.
For the peak nighttime hours, the entry of the Energas Jaruco unit 6 with 100 MW is anticipated. However, generation availability will still be insufficient, with 1,900 MW compared to an estimated demand of 3,200 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,300 MW and an estimated impact of 1,370 MW.
Blackouts in Havana
In the capital, the Electric Company of Havana announced that power cuts will affect different groups of consumers at various times. Block #4 will experience interruptions between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., while block #3 will be affected from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Subsequently, it will be rotated with block #1, which will be without service until 7:00 p.m.. Finally, block #2 will experience outages from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m..
A chronic problem
The collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) is a chronic problem in Cuba, caused by a lack of maintenance, the deterioration of infrastructure, and fuel shortages, which have led to prolonged blackouts across the country.
The system faces constant failures due to the lack of investment, insufficient maintenance, and the aging of thermal power plants, many of which have been in operation for over 40 years. In recent years, power outages have been one of the triggers for protests in various provinces of the country.
How do blackouts affect your area? Share your experience in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity generation deficit in Cuba?
The current deficit in electricity generation in Cuba exceeds 1,300 megawatts (MW), according to the latest report from the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE). This deficit is particularly noticeable during peak hours when the electricity demand is significantly greater than the available capacity of the National Electric System (SEN).
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba are breakdowns in several thermoelectric plants and fuel shortages. The country's electrical infrastructure is severely deteriorated, with thermoelectric plants that are over 40 years old, and the lack of investment and maintenance has worsened the situation. Furthermore, the fuel deficit has taken many distributed generation plants out of service.
How do scheduled blackouts impact Havana?
Scheduled blackouts in Havana affect different groups of consumers at specific times in an attempt to manage the generation deficit. These outages leave thousands of Havana residents without electricity for several hours each day, impacting their daily lives and the operation of essential services. The Electric Company of Havana regularly publishes the interruption schedules for various sectors of the city.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to this energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to reintegrate some generating units and has implemented scheduled blackouts to manage the energy deficit. However, these measures have been inadequate to address the underlying problem. The lack of investment and the deterioration of the electrical infrastructure, along with fuel shortages, have hindered an effective solution, generating discontent and criticism among the population.
Filed under:
