This Thursday, April 24, the National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba continues to face serious challenges that severely affect the supply of electricity across the country.
The Electric Union (UNE) informs about the critical situation experienced yesterday, when the power service was disrupted for 24 hours, a situation that continued until the early hours of today.
The highest impact was 1901 MW at 8:10 PM, coinciding with the peak consumption. The figure represents a record deficit, and according to the official explanation, it was due to fuel limitations in the Melones area.
Current Status of the National Electric System
At 7:00 AM this Thursday, the SEN reported a capacity of only 1660 MW, while demand stood at 2780 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1150 MW. By noon, it is expected that this figure will rise to 1280 MW.
Main incidents and technical issues
The breakdowns that have significantly reduced generation capacity include failures in three units of the thermoelectric power plants (CTE) Mariel, Nuevitas, and Felton.
In addition, maintenance work is being carried out on four blocks of the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté power plants.
Thermal limitations and fuel issues
The situation is exacerbated by the lack of fuel, a recurring problem in the energy sector.
It is reported that 103 distributed generation plants, representing 700 MW, and four engines from the Melones truck (68 MW) are out of service due to this issue.
As if that weren't enough, it is also reported that an additional 27 MW have ceased operation due to a lack of lubricants.
On the other hand, the production of solar energy through the eight new photovoltaic parks reached 1,064 MWh, a figure insufficient to mitigate the overall energy deficit affecting the country.
Forecast for peak hours
Authorities forecast that the electricity deficit will increase during peak hours, when demand is expected to reach 3,380 MW and availability is estimated to be just 1,720 MW.
By that time, the commissioning of Unit 5 in Nuevitas, with an additional capacity of 60 MW, is expected.
But despite this contribution, the deficit will be 1660 MW, which means that the impact could reach 1730 MW if conditions do not improve.
Critical situation and urgent need for solutions
The current situation reflects a prolonged energy crisis, driven by a combination of technical failures, fuel shortages, and logistical issues in the energy sector.
The lack of short-term solutions jeopardizes the stability of the electrical system, affecting both households and industries that rely on a constant supply of electricity.
The government and the authorities in the energy sector must urgently address these structural deficiencies and ensure adequate access to the necessary resources to prevent a larger collapse of the electrical service in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of blackouts in Cuba?
The main cause of blackouts in Cuba is the deficit in electricity generation, exacerbated by technical failures in thermoelectric plants, lack of fuel, and logistical problems in the energy sector. The situation has become critical due to the National Electric System's (SEN) inability to meet current demand, resulting in prolonged and widespread power outages across the country.
Which thermoelectric plants are currently experiencing issues?
Currently, several thermo-electric units are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. The affected units include those in Mariel, Nuevitas, Felton, Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté. These plants are a crucial part of the electricity generation system in Cuba, and their unavailability significantly contributes to the power generation deficit in the country.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
Until now, no concrete and effective measures have been announced by the Cuban government to address the energy crisis immediately. The lack of investment in energy infrastructure and the dependence on non-renewable energy sources perpetuate the crisis, causing unrest and affecting the daily lives of the Cuban population.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis severely affects the quality of life for Cubans, causing interruptions in daily activities, in the supply of basic services such as healthcare and water availability, and leading to the spoilage of refrigerated food. The lack of electricity directly impacts family finances and generates deep unease among the population.
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