The energy crisis in Cuba continues to deepen, with a capacity deficit that now exceeds 1,600 megawatts (MW) and severely affects the electricity supply across the Island.
The situation, which has already plunged the population into prolonged blackouts, reflects a total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), which fails to meet the increasing demand for energy.
According to the latest report on the energy situation, dated Wednesday, April 9, the impact was widespread and persisted over the last 24 hours. At 7:40 PM on Tuesday, the maximum impact reached 1,631 MW, coinciding with the peak demand.
In an attempt to alleviate the situation, the Cuban government has focused on the development of new sources of renewable energy, such as photovoltaic solar parks, which generated 803 MWh in the latest report—an insufficient figure given the magnitude of the crisis and the reliance on thermal generation, which accounts for the majority of energy production.
The capacity of the SEN still cannot meet the demand.
At 7:00 AM today, the energy availability was 1,860 MW, while the demand reached 2,520 MW, resulting in a difference of 692 MW. It is estimated that by noon, the shortfall could reach 950 MW.
The promise that the government could stabilize the situation with the commissioning of Unit 8 of the Mariel CTE, which would add 70 MW, seems to be an insufficient measure given the anticipated shortfall during peak hours. During those times, the deficit is expected to exceed 1,470 MW, which could lead to a massive power outage of up to 1,540 MW.
The crisis is even more alarming due to the breakdowns and maintenance affecting the main thermal generation units.
Two units from the Mariel and Felton thermal power plants are out of service, while four generation blocks from the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté plants are under maintenance.
In addition, 60 distributed generation plants, which together provide 345 MW, are out of service due to a lack of fuel, while another 208 MW are non-operational due to a shortage of lubricants, an additional problem that highlights the lack of investment in critical infrastructure.
In Havana, the Electric Company announced service interruptions at the following times:
To the customers of block 2, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Those in block 1, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, thereafter, it will rotate to block 3, which will be affected until 7:00 PM. From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, block 4 will be affected.
The lack of investments in the Cuban energy industry, combined with the obsolescence of its generating plants and the insufficiency of resources to keep them operational, highlights the Cuban government's responsibility in the magnitude of the crisis.
Despite promises to improve the energy situation, the government has been unable to provide effective solutions. Instead of adopting measures that promote efficiency and energy diversification, Cuba continues to rely on outdated technologies and neglects proper maintenance of critical infrastructure.
The scarcity of resources and poor government management have turned electricity into an increasingly scarce commodity, with devastating consequences for the citizens and the country's economy.
In an unprecedented crisis, millions of Cubans are forced to cope with frequent blackouts, a reality that has become increasingly common.
The situation has caused widespread discomfort among the population, which is facing not only an energy shortage but also a paralysis of economic activities and a deterioration in the quality of life.
In this context, the lack of an effective response from the government reflects its inability to address the country's structural problems and to provide a future with a stable and secure electricity supply.
With the energy deficit skyrocketing, the regime is facing one of its most complex crises, which highlights its inefficiency in resource management and its lack of long-term plans to ensure the well-being of its citizens.
Without an urgent solution, darkness could continue to spread across the country, leaving millions of people trapped in an endless cycle of blackouts, poverty, and disillusionment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the magnitude of the current energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba currently exceeds 1,600 megawatts (MW), leading to prolonged blackouts across the country. This situation reflects a total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), unable to meet the growing demand for electricity due to the obsolescence of generating plants and the lack of resources for their maintenance.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to develop new sources of renewable energy, such as photovoltaic solar parks, which generated 803 MWh in the latest report. However, these measures are insufficient considering the magnitude of the crisis, and the reliance on thermal generation remains the main challenge. Despite promises of improvement, the government has been unable to provide effective long-term solutions.
What are the main causes of the energy collapse in Cuba?
The main causes of the energy collapse in Cuba are the lack of investment in critical infrastructure, the obsolescence of power plants, and the shortage of resources such as fuel and lubricants. Furthermore, breakdowns and maintenance in the main thermal generation units have drastically reduced the generation capacity of the National Electric System (SEN), while the absence of an effective energy diversification plan exacerbates the situation.
How do power outages affect the Cuban population?
Frequent blackouts in Cuba significantly affect the quality of life of the population, causing a paralysis of economic activities and generating widespread discomfort. Citizens face food loss, difficulties in studying or working from home, and a direct impact on hospitals, schools, and other essential services. The lack of effective solutions has left the population in a state of uncertainty and despair.
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