The Cuban electrical system remains mired in a deep structural crisis, with prolonged outages impacting the population day and night.
According to the report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) on Wednesday, May 14, the country experienced an electrical shortfall of 1460 MW the previous day, a figure that has remained above 1,400 MW for several days now.
The most severe outage occurred at 8:10 PM, outside of peak demand hours, and the service remained affected throughout the night.
At dawn on Wednesday, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was just 1970 MW, while demand reached 2900 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1002 MW.
For the half-day schedule, an impact of 980 MW is estimated.
The crumbling infrastructure and fuel shortages are exacerbating the crisis
The causes of the energy collapse remain multiple and structural. The UNE reports that the following thermoelectric units are currently out of service due to malfunctions and maintenance:
Unit 2 of the CTE Felton (breakdown)
Under maintenance:
Units 2 and 3 of the Santa Cruz CTE
Unit 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos
Unit 5 of CTE Nuevitas
Unit 5 of CTE Renté
In addition, thermal limitations take another 301 MW out of service.
But the greatest burden falls once again on distributed generation, which is seriously affected by the lack of fuel.
The UNE reports that 69 distributed plants (471 MW) are halted due to a shortage of diesel, and other units (225 MW) even lack lubricating oil to operate. The total affected for this reason amounts to 696 MW.
Solar energy, a drop in the ocean
The official statement aims to highlight that the 12 new photovoltaic solar parks produced 976 MWh, a minuscule figure in relation to the national demand.
Although efforts are being made to promote renewable energy, its share in the energy matrix remains marginal, and it does not offset the collapse of thermal plants and the paralysis of distributed generation systems.
Gloomy forecast for peak hours
For the peak night hours, UNE anticipates a maximum demand of 3280 MW, but availability is estimated at only 2020 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1260 MW. Consequently, an impact of up to 1330 MW is expected if current conditions persist.
This situation highlights a chronic energy crisis that shows no signs of improvement, despite the constant announcements of investments, maintenance, and reforms.
Meanwhile, the constant power outages further deteriorate the quality of life for millions of Cubans, with no real solutions in sight.
Havana is not free from blackouts either
The Electric Company of Havana announced staggered power outages by time blocks and areas.
According to the schedule published on , the power outages will be as follows:
Block #1: from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Block #3: from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Block #4: from 11:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Block #2: from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Block #5: from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current energy deficit in Cuba?
The current energy deficit in Cuba remains above 1,400 MW, with prolonged outages affecting the population day and night. This situation has remained constant in recent days.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is attributed to multiple structural causes, including breakdowns in thermoelectric units, scheduled maintenance, thermal limitations, and a severe fuel shortage that impacts numerous distributed generation plants.
How does the fuel shortage affect electricity generation in Cuba?
The fuel shortage in Cuba has rendered many distributed generation plants inactive, resulting in a significant loss of electricity generation capacity that exacerbates the country's energy deficit.
What role do renewable energies play in Cuba's energy crisis?
Although new photovoltaic solar parks have been integrated, their contribution remains marginal and does not compensate for the collapse of thermal plants and the paralysis of distributed generation engines, which limits their positive impact on the energy crisis.
How do blackouts impact the lives of Cubans?
Constant blackouts deteriorate the quality of life for Cubans, affecting vital sectors such as health, food, and transportation, and generating increasing social discontent due to the lack of effective solutions from the government.
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