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This Thursday, March 18, Cuba's national electrical system (SEN) continues to face serious challenges due to a significant energy generation deficit, which is reflected in widespread power outages across the country.
According to reports from the Unión Eléctrica, the service was partially restored on Wednesday at 12:36 AM today, but it was interrupted again at 6:36 AM.
The highest energy impact occurred at 7:30 PM, reaching 1453 MW, coinciding with the peak demand time and higher than what was planned due to the non-entry of unit 6 of the Mariel power plant.
At 7:00 am this Thursday, the availability of the SEN was at 1880 MW, against a demand of 1920 MW, with 72 MW impacted. By noon, an impact of 550 MW is expected.
The generation deficit is exacerbated by the breakdowns of several thermal generation units. For this reason, two units from the Renté and Felton power plants are out of service. Another four from the Mariel, Santa Cruz, and Cienfuegos power plants are under maintenance.
The limitations in thermal generation amount to 435 MW.
This situation is compounded by issues with distributed generation, as 42 generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, affecting an additional 176 MW.
During peak hours, Unit 6 of Energas Jaruco is expected to come online with a capacity of 100 MW, which would raise the availability to 1880 MW.
Despite this, the projected maximum demand is 3,150 MW, which creates a deficit of 1,270 MW, and therefore, an impact of up to 1,340 MW is forecasted if conditions do not improve.
On the other hand, the announced service interruptions due to a generation deficit in the SEN.
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, customers associated with block 3 will be affected; from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, block 4 will be affected, and from that time the rotation will switch to block 2, which will be affected until 7:00 pm.
From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Block 1 will be affected.
The deficit in electricity generation has had a significant impact on the Cuban population, resulting in prolonged blackouts that affect both households and workplaces across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Cuba
Why are there blackouts in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are due to a significant deficit in electricity generation, caused by breakdowns in several thermoelectric units, scheduled maintenance, and a chronic shortage of fuel. The obsolete electrical infrastructure and lack of investment also exacerbate the situation.
What is the electricity generation deficit in Cuba?
The electric generation deficit in Cuba has been fluctuating, but recently a deficit close to 1,400 MW has been recorded, which has caused prolonged blackouts in several regions of the country.
How do power outages affect the Cuban population?
Blackouts severely impact the daily lives of the Cuban population, interrupting essential activities such as cooking, using appliances, and preserving food. They also affect the operation of hospitals and production centers.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
The Cuban authorities have tried to mitigate the energy crisis through scheduled blackouts and prioritizing electricity supply to essential services. However, these measures have been insufficient to resolve the situation, and the lack of investment in electrical infrastructure remains a critical issue.
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