The energy crisis in Cuba continues to worsen. The Electric Union (UNE) reported on Monday, May 26, that the National Electric System (SEN) is facing a deficit of over 1,600 MW, which is causing prolonged interruptions in electricity service across the country, including Havana.
According to the report from UNE, the situation worsened yesterday when the system experienced a maximum impact of 1,567 MW at 9:00 PM, a figure that remains outside the usual demand conditions.
At 7:00 am this Monday, the availability was 1,935 MW, while the demand reached 3,050 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,142 MW in the system.
At midday, an impact of 1,200 MW is estimated.
The inability to resolve the energy crisis
The forecast for peak hours is bleak. According to experts, an availability of 1,935 MW is expected, while the maximum demand will reach 3,500 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,565 MW.
In this scenario, the authorities have anticipated an impact of 1,635 MW during the day, an unsustainable level for the daily life of Cubans.
The causes of this deficit are varied.
Among the mentioned factors are breakdowns at the Felton Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE) and maintenance of four units at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté power plants.
Additionally, thermal limitations keep 374 MW out of service.
The problems due to a lack of fuel are affecting the generation capacity at 71 distributed generation plants (508 MW), 139 MW due to a lack of oil in distributed generation engines, and 64 MW at the Melones truck, resulting in a total of 711 MW out of operation.
The energy production from the 12 new photovoltaic solar parks barely reached 1,437 MWh, a volume that is insufficient to cover the growing generation deficit.
The government, instead of taking urgent measures to address the lack of resources and outdated infrastructure, continues to propose temporary solutions that do not tackle the root of the problem.
The promises of long-term solutions remain unfulfilled, leaving citizens without an escape from this chronic energy crisis.
Scheduled blackouts and a climate of despair
The Electric Company of Havana reports a power outage schedule for today, which will affect all districts of the city at different times.
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm: block #2
From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm: block #1
From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm: block #3
From 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM: block #5
From 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM: block #4
This ongoing cycle of blackouts, which has become a norm in the lives of Cubans, reflects the deep crisis in the energy sector.
With a deficit of over 1,600 MW, the situation is far from being resolved, and citizens do not seem to find hope in the "short-term solutions" that the government keeps repeating.
A weary town with no answers
Blackouts are just another manifestation of a much larger structural problem: the lack of investment in the energy sector, the obsolescence of infrastructure, and the inefficiency of a system that, despite propaganda efforts, continues to be unable to meet the basic needs of the population.
While the UNE continues to publish reports with relief measures and maintenance programs, Cubans are forced to adapt to a new normal of power outages, uncertainty, and discomfort.
The people are facing an increasingly unsustainable reality, with no hope that the situation will change in the short term.
The lack of concrete action by the Cuban government in response to the energy crisis is driving the country into a dead end. Power outages not only affect Cuban families in their daily lives, but also undermine the population's trust in the institutions responsible for addressing this serious issue.
The situation is no longer just an occasional annoyance but a national crisis that threatens to worsen if urgent measures are not taken to comprehensively repair the energy system.
In this context, Cubans are forced to continue living with the uncertainty of not knowing whether they will be able to enjoy continuous electricity, along with the growing feeling that promises of change will never materialize.
The lack of real solutions to the energy deficit of over 1,600 MW demonstrates the ineffectiveness of a system that is unable to meet the most basic needs of its population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electric generation deficit in Cuba?
The current electricity generation deficit in Cuba exceeds 1,600 MW, leading to extended blackouts across the country and severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans. This deficit remains outside the usual demand conditions.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba include breakdowns at several thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance on other plants, and thermal constraints. Additionally, the lack of fuel significantly impacts the island's distributed generation capacity.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy problem?
The Cuban government continues to implement temporary solutions and promises to incorporate renewable energies, such as photovoltaic solar parks. However, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the structural crisis of the electrical system nor to meet the basic needs of the population.
How are blackouts affecting the population in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba severely affect the daily lives of citizens, impacting both household activities and basic services as well as family economics. The lack of a stable electricity supply creates uncertainty and discomfort among the population.
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