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The energy crisis in Cuba is intensifying with power outages that on Tuesday exceeded 1,600 megawatts (MW), according to the Electric Union (UNE).
The situation continues this Wednesday with new disruptions expected at various times across the country, including scheduled outages in several areas of the capital.
According to the information notice published by UNE on its official Facebook page, the electric service was affected for 24 hours on Tuesday, March 25th.
Electricity was temporarily restored at 1:39 a.m. this Wednesday, but just a few hours later, at 6:13 a.m., interruptions began again.
The maximum impact on Tuesday was recorded at 7:50 p.m., with a deficit of 1,618 MW, coinciding with the peak national demand. This level of impact exceeded expectations due to the non-operation of unit 6 at the Nuevitas thermoelectric power plant and the shutdown of units 5 and 6 at the Mariel power plant.
Low solar production and growing deficit
The electricity production from the photovoltaic solar parks, such as those at the Nursing School in Havana, Alcalde Mayor in Cienfuegos, and La Sabana in Granma, was only 247 megawatt-hours (MWh), a figure below the expected 276 MWh.
At 7:00 a.m. this Wednesday, the availability of the National Electroenergy System (SEN) was just 1,800 MW, compared to a demand of 2,050 MW. This resulted in an immediate shortfall of 276 MW due to capacity deficit. The UNE estimates that by noon, the shortfall will reach 950 MW.
Forecast for the nighttime peak: over 1,400 MW of impact
For the nighttime hours, the situation could worsen. A peak demand of 3,200 MW is expected, with only 1,865 MW available, resulting in a deficit of 1,335 MW. If conditions do not improve, a shortfall of up to 1,405 MW is anticipated during the nighttime peak.
Currently, Unit 5 of the Mariel Power Plant and Unit 2 of the Felton Power Plant are out of service due to a malfunction. Five other units are under maintenance: Unit 8 of Mariel, Unit 2 of Santa Cruz, Units 3 and 4 of Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of Renté.
Power outage schedule in Havana
The Electric Company of Havana also issued a statement announcing scheduled outages in the capital.
According to their note on , block #4 will be affected between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., while block #3 will experience interruptions from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Then, block #1 will be out of service from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and finally, block #2 will experience outages between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
These impacts could change if the status of the national electric system changes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Power Outages in Cuba and the Energy Crisis
Why are blackouts happening in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are due to a significant deficit in electricity generation, exceeding 1,600 megawatts (MW). This situation is the result of multiple breakdowns in thermal power plants, maintenance of units, and a shortage of fuel affecting distributed generation. The electrical infrastructure of the island is deteriorated and lacks sufficient investment, which worsens the system's ability to respond to energy demand.
What are the forecasts for power outages in the coming days?
The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) has forecasted that blackouts will continue in the coming days, with expected outages that could exceed 1,400 MW during peak hours. This energy crisis is prolonged and an immediate solution is not in sight, so the population will continue to experience extended power cuts.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced the construction of 55 new solar parks to enhance the capacity for renewable energy generation. However, experts warn that these measures will not resolve the structural crisis of the electrical system, which is characterized by failures in thermoelectric plants, lack of investment, and fuel shortages. Additionally, equipment donated by China has been received for photovoltaic expansion, but the situation remains critical.
How are the scheduled blackouts organized in Havana?
The Electric Company of Havana has implemented a program of rotating blackouts due to a generation deficit. The power outages are organized by time blocks, affecting different areas of the capital in intervals that range from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. These schedules are subject to change if the situation of the electrical system alters.
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