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Cuba faces another day of widespread blackouts on Tuesday, March 25, due to the critical situation of the National Electric System (SEN), affected by breakdowns, maintenance issues, and a lack of fuel. The Electric Union (UNE) warned that projections for peak hours anticipate a severe deficit, with more than 1,300 MW of difference between demand and available capacity.
The disruptions began yesterday, Monday, at 4:51 AM and extended throughout the day and into the early hours of today. The maximum disruption on Monday was recorded at 8:20 PM, with 1,454 MW out of service, coinciding with peak demand. According to the UNE, the impact was greater than planned due to the failure to bring Unit 6 of the CTE Renté online.
This Tuesday, the situation is far from improving. At 7:00 a.m., the availability of the SEN was 1,840 MW, compared to a demand of 2,540 MW, resulting in a deficit of 737 MW and significant impacts on the electrical service. By noon, the estimated increase in the impact was expected to reach up to 900 MW.
Regarding the power plants, unit 6 of the Nuevitas CTE and unit 2 of the Felton CTE remain out of service. Additionally, five others are under maintenance: unit 8 of Mariel, unit 2 of Santa Cruz, units 3 and 4 of Cienfuegos, and unit 5 of Renté.
Thermal generation also faces limitations of 377 MW, while 82 distributed generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, resulting in an additional loss of 472 MW.
Despite the planned entry of unit 6 in Nuevitas with 100 MW for peak hours, the forecast remains unfavorable. A generation capacity of 1,940 MW is expected against a maximum demand of 3,260 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,320 MW. The UNE anticipates that, if conditions persist, the impact could reach 1,390 MW tonight.
Amid the critical landscape, the UNE highlighted that the new photovoltaic solar parks—located at the Nursing School (Havana), Alcalde Mayor (Cienfuegos), and La Sabana (Granma)—generated a total of 334 MWh on the previous day, 64 MWh above expectations.
Rotating blackouts in Havana
The Electric Company of Havana announced a schedule of rolling blackouts for this Tuesday, due to a widespread deficit in the National Electric System. The affected blocks will be:
- Block #1: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Block #2: from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Block #4: from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Block #3: from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Authorities urged users to stay informed through their official accounts on Telegram, Facebook, and X, as well as the hotline 18888.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis with widespread blackouts due to a deficit in electricity generation. The National Electric System (SEN) has insufficient generation capacity to meet demand, resulting in prolonged power outages that affect the entire population.
What are the causes of the electricity deficit in Cuba?
The electrical deficit in Cuba is due to multiple factors: breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance, and lack of fuel. These issues have taken several generating units out of service and significantly reduced the generation capacity of the SEN.
How are power outages affecting the Cuban population?
Blackouts severely affect the daily lives of Cubans, interrupting essential activities such as cooking, using appliances, and preserving food. They also impact the operation of essential services like hospitals, worsening the economic and social situation in the country.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented scheduled power cuts to manage the electrical deficit. However, these measures have been insufficient to resolve the crisis, and the lack of investment in energy infrastructure and the scarcity of fuel continue to worsen the situation.
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