Cuba faces this Good Friday with a new forecast of power outages across the country, due to the severe electricity generation deficit that keeps the National Electric System (SEN) in crisis.
According to reported by the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE), an impact of up to 1,435 megawatts (MW) is expected during the nighttime peak hours, following a previous day where the maximum impact reached 1,706 MW at 8:10 p.m., a figure that did not even coincide with the peak demand.
At 7:00 a.m., the availability of the SEN was only 1,600 MW, while the demand reached 2,650 MW.
At that time, 980 MW were already reported affected, and it is expected that the figure will rise to 1,250 MW by noon.
At night, the deficit could rise to 1,365 MW, leaving an estimated 1,435 MW without service.
The operational landscape remains characterized by breakdowns and maintenance. Unit 5 of the Mariel thermoelectric plant and Unit 2 of the Felton thermoelectric plant are out of service, in addition to Units 2 of Santa Cruz, 3 and 4 of Cienfuegos, and 5 and 6 of Renté, which are undergoing scheduled maintenance.
This is compounded by the shutdown of 69 distributed generation plants due to a lack of fuel, resulting in a loss of 627 MW, along with 150 MW halted in Fuel Oil engines in Moa.
In total, 777 MW are offline due to a lack of fuel, there are also 54 MW unavailable due to a shortage of lubricants, and 322 MW are experiencing technical limitations in thermal generation.
The UNE points to the entry of 135 MW through nine engines in Moa and the recovery of an additional 300 MW as a possible relief, although these efforts are insufficient in light of the accumulated deficit.
Meanwhile, solar generation —including the eight new photovoltaic parks— contributed only 1,068 MWh the previous day, a symbolic figure compared to the country's actual needs.
Amid official promises of sustainability and efficiency, the population continues to face daily blackouts, directly affecting home life, work, education, and basic services
This Good Friday, most Cubans are preparing to spend the day and night in the dark, with no clear answers or relief in sight.
Recently, the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Power Plant, located in the province of Cienfuegos, announced that it is in the testing phase of the boiler as part of the preliminary process for the start-up of one of its generating units.
However, what has captured the public's attention the most is not the technical advancement, but the phrase that marks a still uncertain horizon: “Fellow countrymen, we will see each other after April 20, generating electricity for all of Cuba.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Electric Deficit and Blackouts in Cuba
What is the main cause of power outages in Cuba?
The main cause of blackouts in Cuba is the severe deficit in electricity generation. This deficit is due to a combination of breakdowns in thermoelectric units, scheduled maintenance, lack of fuel, and limitations in thermal generation. The outdated infrastructure and the lack of investment in the electrical sector also contribute to the energy crisis in the country.
What is the current electricity deficit in Cuba?
The current electrical deficit in Cuba reaches up to 1,435 megawatts (MW) during peak hours. The availability of the National Electric System (SEN) is insufficient to meet the demand, which exceeds 2,600 MW, while availability barely reaches 1,600 MW. This results in prolonged blackouts that affect the population and the country's economic activity.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to resolve the electrical crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented scheduled blackouts and prioritized supply for essential services. However, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the crisis. Although investments have been announced and some photovoltaic solar parks have been integrated, renewable energy generation remains inadequate in the face of the system's collapse. The lack of transparency and the manipulation of data by the regime hinder a real assessment of the situation.
How do blackouts affect the Cuban population?
Power outages severely impact the daily lives of Cubans. The lack of electricity affects home life, work, education, and basic services. The population faces challenges in cooking, preserving food, and using household appliances. This situation creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and despair, exacerbating frustration and social discontent.
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