The energy crisis in Cuba has caused blackouts in radio and television broadcasts in Pinar del Río.
According to a note from Radio Guamá, there are significant disruptions since, out of the 28 transmission centers in the area, only 7 have energy backup, which limits the broadcast of the programming.
Since several of these centers do not have generators, the authorities are seeking "to optimize their use by implementing specific schedules to reduce wear and ensure their operation during critical moments."
"We have had to protect the generators by resting them during specific hours to prevent deterioration. For example, frequently in the morning, between 9 and 12, the generator shuts down. The same happens in the afternoon until Tele Pinar begins its broadcasts," explained Luis Armentero Jaida, director of the Territorial Division of Radio Cuba in Pinar del Río.
Armentero Jaida also stated that they are trying to "protect" the service on weekends and during key sporting event broadcast dates, such as the Clásico or the Champions League.
The official acknowledged that the shortage of spare parts for transmitters also affects service quality, stating that “they continue to seek alternatives to keep the programming on the air,” despite the evidence.
In March, Matanzas experienced a power outage that left it in the dark, not only on the streets but also in radio and television broadcasts. The station provincial Radio 26 and TV Yumurí went off the air due to technical issues with the generator supplying both signals.
Blackout Saturday
This Saturday, Cuba's Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reported that the National Electric System (SEN) continues to operate with a significant generation deficit, which has led to continuous blackouts over the past 24 hours and will cause further disruptions throughout the day.
On Friday, the peak impact reached 1584 MW at 9:00 PM, which did not coincide with the peak demand time and was higher than planned due to the non-entry of unit 6 of the Mariel CTE.
The situation remained this way throughout the early hours of today.
According to the official report, the system's availability at 7:00 am was 1,820 megawatts (MW) against a demand of 2,900 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,134 MW.
It is estimated that by noon, the impact will be around 1,100 MW.
For the peak hours tonight, the UNE estimates an availability of 1,890 MW and a maximum demand of 3,350 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,460 MW.
If conditions remain unchanged, authorities forecast an impact of up to 1,530 MW during that period.
Multiple failures and fuel shortages
The energy situation continues to be worsened by breakdowns at important thermoelectric plants: Unit 6 of the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant and Unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant are out of service due to technical issues.
In addition, another five units from the plants in Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, Nuevitas, and Renté are undergoing scheduled maintenance.
This is compounded by thermal limitations that take another 294 MW out of service.
The lack of fuel remains a critical factor: 68 distributed generation plants are shut down for this reason; 235 MW cannot operate due to a shortage of oil in the engines; in total, 749 MW are offline due to fuel-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Cuba and Their Impact in Pinar del Río
Why are there blackouts in radio and television broadcasts in Pinar del Río?
The energy crisis in Cuba has caused power outages in radio and television broadcasts in Pinar del Río due to the lack of generators at several transmission centers. Only 7 out of the 28 centers have backup power, which limits the broadcasting of programming.
How does the lack of generators affect the media in Pinar del Río?
The lack of generators limits radio and television broadcasting to specific times to avoid wear and ensure functionality during key moments. This affects the continuity of service, especially during important events.
What other provinces have experienced blackouts similar to those in Pinar del Río?
In March, Matanzas also experienced a blackout that left the province without electricity, affecting both the streets and radio and television broadcasts. The issue was caused by technical failures with the generator that powers the signals of Radio 26 and TV Yumurí.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The electricity generation deficit in Cuba is due to breakdowns in thermal power plants and a lack of fuel for distributed generation. This deficit is exacerbated by maintenance of units and damages in the electrical networks, highlighting the fragility of the system.
What impact does the energy crisis have on the Cuban population?
The energy crisis is severely affecting the daily lives of Cubans, causing frustration and annoyance due to the ongoing blackouts. The lack of electricity impacts the quality of life, leading to wasted food and increasing despair, which is reflected in protests and demonstrations against the regime in various regions of the country.
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