The National Electroenergetic System (SEN) of Cuba remains in a critical situation, with widespread blackouts exceeding 1,600 MW yesterday and an estimated deficit of up to 1,570 MW for the peak hours on Thursday, April 10.
The report from Unión Eléctrica (UNE) indicates that during the previous day, the service disruption lasted for 24 hours, with a peak interruption of 1,681 MW at 8:20 PM, right when the demand was highest.
This figure exceeded what was planned, due to the unexpected departure of units at Energas Jaruco, caused by a malfunction at the gas plant.
The energy production from the eight new photovoltaic solar parks reached 620 megawatt-hours (MWh), a figure that remains insufficient given the country's significant energy deficit.
Increasing blackouts and a generation in crisis
This Thursday, at 7:00 AM, the availability of the SEN was only 1,900 MW compared to a demand of 2,450 MW, resulting in a deficit of 628 MW. By noon, it is estimated that the deficit will reach 950 MW.
As for the generating units, unit 1 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE) and unit 2 of the Felton CTE remain out of service due to faults. The following units are also under maintenance: unit 2 of the Santa Cruz CTE, units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos CTE, and unit 5 of the Renté CTE.
Additionally, there are limitations in thermal generation reaching 389 MW, while 75 distributed generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, representing a loss of an additional 515 MW. Furthermore, another 119 MW are unavailable due to a shortage of lubricants.
Havana also goes dark
The Electric Company of Havana announced scheduled power outages for several areas of the capital due to the worsening generation deficit. The outage schedule includes:
- 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 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
For tonight's peak hours, a maximum demand of 3,400 MW is estimated, while availability would remain at only 1,900 MW. The deficit would reach 1,500 MW, which predicts further impacts on users, with a forecast of 1,570 MW of outages during that period.
Despite the addition of solar parks and measures to maintain some thermal power plants, the technical and structural collapse of the SEN continues to deepen.
The lack of maintenance, fuel shortages, and technological obsolescence affect the stability of the electrical service and severely impact the daily lives of Cubans.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the National Electroenergy System (SEN) in Cuba?
The power grid in Cuba is on the brink of collapse, with blackouts exceeding 1,600 MW daily. The lack of maintenance, technological obsolescence, and fuel shortages have exacerbated the energy crisis, severely affecting the daily lives of Cubans.
How are the blackouts affecting the Cuban population?
Prolonged blackouts negatively impact the quality of life for Cubans, affecting both household activities and basic services, as well as family finances. The situation worsens during peak hours, when demand far exceeds generation capacity.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
The Cuban government has implemented a blackout schedule and has attempted to incorporate more photovoltaic solar parks into the system. However, these measures have been insufficient to cover the energy deficit, and the crisis continues to deepen.
What factors contribute to the deficit in electricity generation in Cuba?
Breakdowns in thermal power plants, lack of fuel, and technological obsolescence are the main factors contributing to the deficit in electricity generation. Furthermore, limitations in thermal generation and lack of maintenance worsen the situation.
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