The maintenance shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant and an unexpected malfunction in unit 3 of the “Carlos Manuel de Céspedes” forced changes to the scheduled power outage times in Havana on Tuesday, amidst an extremely critical energy situation nationwide.
According to the Electric Company of the capital on its Facebook page, the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) is in a "different condition," which led to extending and reorganizing service outages for May 6.
Block #4 will be shut down from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., block #5 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from that hour on, service will be interrupted in block #2 until 8:00 p.m., the statement indicated.
Then, starting at 7:00 p.m., it will be the turn of block #3, followed by block #1 at 8:00 p.m. The restoration of both will begin gradually between 11:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., the state entity added.
However, not all circuits in block #3 will experience a blackout tonight: those that were without service between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. due to an emergency will be excluded, the note specified.
The new plan contradicts the previously announced schedules, which anticipated shorter blackouts.
Earlier, another informational note was issued regarding an emergency disruption to block #3 during the early morning hours, adding more hours without service for some residents of the capital.
Across the country, the energy deficit has already exceeded 1,700 MW, which has intensified widespread power outages.
Although Havana maintains shorter blackout times compared to the other provinces and the Electric Company generally avoids service interruptions during the early morning, recent reports indicate that this difference is starting to decrease.
The public outrage in Havana has reached critical levels following the repeated failures to adhere to the blackout schedule published by the company. Despite the release of informational notes via its social media and official channels, residents in the capital report early blackouts, unexpected extension of outages, and an uneven distribution of the impact.
The malfunction in unit 3 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes occurred after its synchronization to the SEN on May 2, following more than three months out of service.
The CTE Antonio Guiteras, the most important power plant in the country, was taken offline from the SEN this Monday to undergo a "planned maintenance" for five days, as announced. The maintenance comes after days of “fewer blackouts” due to May Day and in a context marked by fuel shortages and the extreme deterioration of Cuba's energy infrastructure.
During the past few months, complaints from residents in provinces such as Matanzas, Holguín, Camagüey, and Ciego de Ávila have multiplied in the press and on social media, where daily blackouts exceed, in some cases, 20 hours.
Cubans, who spend up to 20 hours in blackouts, claim that the regime is concealing its lack of fuel to ensure the service. Others assert that the energy crisis has become a mechanism of state control.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why have blackouts intensified in Havana recently?
Power outages in Havana have intensified due to the maintenance shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant and a malfunction in unit 3 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Power Plant. These situations have forced changes to the schedules of planned electrical interruptions, increasing the time without service in the capital.
What is the impact of the energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba exceeds 1,700 MW. This has led to prolonged blackouts across the country, impacting the quality of life for citizens, the supply of drinking water, food production, and the provision of basic services, creating a state of hopelessness among the population.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented scheduled blackouts and has attempted to reintegrate some generating units. However, these measures have been insufficient to resolve the underlying crisis, which has led to criticism and discontent among the population suffering from constant electricity outages.
Which power plants are currently out of service in Cuba?
Several units of thermal power plants in Cuba are out of service due to breakdowns and maintenance. Among them are the units from the Mariel, Nuevitas, Felton, and Renté power plants. These outages have contributed to the deficit in electricity generation on the island.
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