The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) reported this Saturday, May 31, that the country is facing a power generation deficit exceeding 1,600 MW, which will lead to widespread service interruptions throughout the national territory.
According to the official report, the service was disrupted for 24 hours on Saturday, with a peak of 1,478 MW recorded at 10:10 PM, coinciding with the highest consumption hour.
During the early hours of this Saturday, the blackouts continued without interruption.
At 7:00 am, the availability was 1900 MW with a demand of 2920 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1061 MW.
The forecast for midday indicates 1150 MW affected.
It is projected that during peak evening hours, the impact will reach up to 1,620 MW, in a system where demand will be around 3,450 MW, while availability will only reach approximately 1,900 MW.
The technical report reveals a critical outlook on the national energy infrastructure:
Four generating units are out of service due to faults: unit 3 of CTE Cienfuegos, unit 2 of CTE Felton, unit 6 of CTE Nuevitas, and unit 6 of CTE Renté.
Three other units are under maintenance: unit 2 in Santa Cruz and key blocks in Cienfuegos and Renté.
Distributed generation is affected by a lack of fuel in 48 plants (290 MW less) and a shortage of oil in engines (124 MW less).
The technical limitations in thermal generation account for another 343 MW offline.
Although the report mentions a production of 1,225 MWh from the 12 photovoltaic solar parks, this source barely covers a fraction of the actual demand.
The gravity of the situation not only reflects the deterioration of the thermal power plants, many of which are outdated, but also a crisis in planning, investment, and management.
The government continues to blame the U.S. embargo and logistical issues, while millions of Cubans endure entire days without electricity, unable to refrigerate food or pump water.
The prolonged and daily blackouts - now normalized in many areas - hit the most vulnerable population especially hard, creating an atmosphere of growing frustration.
Energy precariousness not only limits the quality of life but also severely impacts the performance of hospitals, educational centers, businesses, and any economic activity.
In the absence of effective solutions and with summer approaching, it is anticipated that the electricity crisis will worsen, leading to new sources of social unrest and possible protests, similar to those that recently occurred in various parts of the country.
The regime, without presenting a clear recovery plan, continues to send signals of stagnation in the face of a collapsed electrical system, while the citizens endure the most dramatic consequences of a model that neither generates, nor repairs, nor responds.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the magnitude of the electricity deficit in Cuba currently?
The electricity generation deficit in Cuba exceeds 1,600 MW, which is causing widespread and prolonged blackouts across the country. This deficit has been consistent in recent months, worsening the energy crisis in the nation.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are caused by a combination of factors, including breakdowns in thermal power plants, scheduled maintenance, a lack of fuel and oil for engines, as well as technical limitations in thermal generation. The outdated infrastructure and lack of investment further exacerbate the situation.
How is the energy crisis affecting daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis is severely affecting the quality of life in Cuba, limiting access to basic services such as food refrigeration, water supply, and the operation of hospitals and schools. The situation has created an atmosphere of frustration and social discontent among the population.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to implement temporary measures such as maintaining generating units and incorporating photovoltaic solar parks, but these actions have not been sufficient to resolve the energy deficit. The lack of a clear and effective plan remains a concern for the public.
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