Matanzas is experiencing days of extreme energy scarcity, to the point that almost 100% of the province was without power this Monday, as acknowledged by the general director of the local Electric Company, Jorge Alejandro Rodríguez Azpeitia.
During an interview with the government-supported newspaper Girón, the official explained that the generation levels were insufficient to ensure even a minimum rotation among the circuits.
"There is a considerable deficit in generation in the country. Yesterday we reached only 197 megawatts in the territory, which practically means 100% of the province was without power," said Rodríguez.
According to their statements, the disruptions have been so severe that some circuits barely had two hours of electricity service over a period of 32 hours.
"The maximum impact was 30 hours out of a possible 32. This translates, in short, into a very complex situation that leaves us virtually without the ability to maneuver or establish a rotation system," he assured.
The electric generation deficit in Cuba has coincided with an increase in demand, further exacerbating the crisis.
Rodríguez explained that during the day, demand peaks of up to 3,600 megawatts were estimated, while availability levels are much lower.
"We cannot specify rotations or schedules," he said, leaving the population without any kind of foresight.
The Electric Company of Matanzas justified the situation with technical data and national difficulties, but for citizens, power outages have become a constant threat to daily life.
Interruptions affect not only households but also workplaces, hospitals, businesses, and essential services.
According to the executive, they have margins of only 10 to 15 megawatts to rotate between circuits, but since each circuit requires at least 2 to 3 megawatts to operate, the number of areas that can receive power at a given time is minimal.
The situation in Matanzas reflects a national crisis that has been escalating over the past few years, raising fears of a massive blackout at any moment.
The energy crisis shaking Cuba reaches a new critical point this Tuesday, with widespread blackouts across the country.
The system availability at 7:00 a.m. today was only 1,480 MW, while the demand exceeded 2,600 MW, resulting in an immediate deficit of 1,147 MW.
It is estimated that by noon on Tuesday, the blackouts will reach 1,400 megawatts, an extremely high figure for daytime hours, while during the nighttime peak, the overall impact could reach up to 1,668 megawatts.
This situation forced the Electric Company of Havana to create a new blackout block on Tuesday, number 5, as part of a reconfiguration of the schedule due to generation deficits that increasingly affects the capital of the country.
According to a news release published on the official Facebook page of the Government of Havana, the new block will include areas from the municipalities of Boyeros, Arroyo Naranjo, La Lisa, Centro Habana, and Habana del Este.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba and Its Effects in Matanzas
What is the current situation of electricity in Matanzas?
The situation in Matanzas is critical, with almost 100% of the province without power due to a significant deficit in electricity generation. Energy availability is very low, making it impossible to establish an adequate rotation system, leaving citizens with very few hours of electricity each day.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Matanzas?
The energy crisis severely affects daily life in Matanzas, interrupting essential services such as hospitals, businesses, and workplaces. Citizens are facing difficulties in carrying out basic activities, such as cooking and storing food, which worsens the quality of life in the region.
What are the causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to a combination of factors, including the obsolescence of the national electrical system, the scarcity of fuel, and the lack of maintenance in the thermoelectric plants. These issues have resulted in a deficit in electricity generation that affects much of the country.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Matanzas?
To address the energy crisis, measures such as reducing consumption in non-essential sectors and monitoring large consumers have been implemented. Additionally, there is an effort to distribute the scarce energy resources equitably, although these actions have been insufficient to meet the basic needs of the population.
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