The Electric Union of Cuba issued its report on the state of the National Electric System (SEN) this Friday, announcing that supply losses are expected to reach 1800 megawatts (MW) during the peak demand this evening.
The information describes a situation of chronic imbalance between electricity generation availability and consumption across the country, which has resulted in prolonged power outages since yesterday afternoon.
According to the official report, on Thursday the SEN recorded service disruptions for 24 hours, with a critical point of 1680 MW offline at 7:20 PM (below the forecast), which did not coincide with the peak demand of the day.
Morning availability and midday forecast
At 7:00 am this Friday, the UNE reported an available installed capacity of 1650 MW against a demand of 2710, resulting in a shortfall of 1097 MW that is already causing service interruptions in several provinces.
According to the agency's estimates, by noon the deficit could grow to 1250 MW, heralding more hours of scheduled rationing.
Forecast for peak hours
For the evening peak, the UNE projects that demand will reach 3380 MW, while availability will remain at 1650 MW. If these figures are confirmed, the deficit will be 1730 MW, with a total impact of 1800 MW.
This volume of blackouts will impact both the industry and domestic supply, with interruptions lasting several hours throughout the country.
Causes of the imbalance: breakdowns, maintenance, and lack of fuel
The report identifies several factors that affect the optimal operation of the SEN.
Two units of the thermoelectric plants Mariel and Felton are out of service.
Additionally, maintenance work has been scheduled for four blocks of the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté power plants.
Thermal limitations are keeping an additional 399 MW offline.
The fuel shortage affects both 104 distributed generation plants—equivalent to 725 MW—and the Mariel fuel plant, which is not operating with 50 MW.
The eight photovoltaic parks that recently began operating contributed a total of 986 MWh to the grid, which, while it partially alleviates the deficit, is insufficient to cover the structural imbalance between generation and consumption.
With this daily report, the UNE acknowledges that the SEN is facing one of its most critical moments in recent years, as the public, weary of power outages, demands the modernization of the grid and diversification of the energy matrix to ensure service stability.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Blackouts in Cuba
Why are such severe blackouts occurring in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are primarily caused by a significant deficit in electricity generation capacity, due to breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, lack of fuel, and scheduled maintenance that limits energy production. Additionally, outdated infrastructure and dependence on fossil fuels exacerbate the situation, leaving the National Electric System (SEN) operating on the brink of collapse.
What impact do blackouts have on the daily life of Cubans?
Blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, affecting both the quality of life and economic activity. The lack of electricity leads to food spoilage, interruptions in basic services, and creates an atmosphere of despair and social unrest, with protests occurring in various regions of the country.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
Despite the Cuban government's attempts to partially incorporate some thermal power plants and restore affected areas, the measures have not been sufficient to resolve the energy crisis. The lack of fuel remains a critical obstacle, and effective structural solutions have not been announced in the short term.
How do renewable energies contribute to the energy situation in Cuba?
Although photovoltaic solar parks have been implemented to provide renewable energy, their contribution is insufficient to cover the energy deficit that the country is facing. The production from these parks does not manage to compensate for the lack of thermal generation and the growing demand, especially during peak consumption times.
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