The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) reported on Thursday a slight reduction in the deficit of the National Electric System (SEN), although the country continues to face severe disruptions in service.
According to the official report, power outages persisted throughout the previous 24 hours, peaking at an impact of 1196 MW at 8:10 PM, not even coinciding with the time of highest demand, which highlights the structural shortcomings of the system.
The disruption continued throughout the early hours of today.
At 7:00 AM, the availability of the SEN was just 2050 MW compared to a demand of 2750 MW, resulting in 700 MW affected by capacity deficit.
The situation, far from stabilizing, is expected to worsen throughout the day, with an anticipated impact of 800 MW during peak hours.
During peak hours, a capacity of 2110 MW is projected, with a demand of 3200 MW, resulting in an estimated deficit of 1090 MW, which could lead to blackouts of up to 1160 MW if the expected conditions persist.
A drained system: breakdowns, maintenance, and fuel
The SEN presents a long list of structural failures:
There are two damaged units at the Felton and Renté CTEs.
Additionally, extended maintenance affects four units of the CTE Mariel, Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté.
Thermal limitations have taken an additional 347 MW offline.
Fuel crisis:
47 distributed generation plants remain inactive due to a lack of supply, which means 411 MW are out of service, in addition to 145 MW paralyzed due to a shortage of oil for engines, bringing the total affected to 556 MW.
Although the entry of Unit 6 of the Renté CTE is expected with just 60 MW, this addition is symbolic in light of the overwhelming capacity deficit.
Solar energy: untapped potential
In the midst of the crisis, power generation from solar parks accounts for only a fraction of the system: 13 photovoltaic parks contribute a total of 1133 MWh, with a maximum output of 208 MW during peak hours.
Despite the repeated promises from the government regarding the promotion of renewable energy, official data show little progress in that direction.
Although the deficit is lower than in previous days, the official data refutes any signs of recovery.
The Cuban population continues to suffer from power outages of more than 20 hours in some areas, which severely impacts food preservation, access to water, the functioning of hospitals and schools, and the physical and mental health of millions of citizens.
Meanwhile, the regime chooses to present technical reports as a sign of control, when in reality, the daily reports have become public confirmation of a permanent energy collapse.
After years of "updating the energy model," millions in external loans, and speeches on technological sovereignty, the Cuban electrical system continues to rely on aging plants, endless maintenance, fuel imports, and an increasingly fragile generation infrastructure.
And although the UNE tries to cushion the impact with figures and forecasts, the reality in the homes, hospitals, and schools of the country does not change: darkness persists, and the solution has not arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Electric Crisis in Cuba
Why do blackouts continue in Cuba despite the reduction in the electrical deficit?
Blackouts continue because the reduction of the electrical deficit is minimal and not enough to meet the country's energy demand. Despite a slight decrease in the deficit, the electrical infrastructure remains inadequate, and the system faces multiple breakdowns and a lack of fuel, which hinders a significant recovery of the service.
What are the main causes of the electrical deficit in Cuba?
The main causes of the electric deficit in Cuba are breakdowns in thermal power plants, prolonged maintenance, and a lack of fuel. Additionally, obsolete infrastructure and a shortage of resources for distributed generation also contribute to the problem, affecting the responsiveness of the National Electric System (SEN).
What impact does the energy crisis have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The energy crisis severely affects the daily life of Cubans, causing prolonged blackouts that interfere with food preservation, access to water, and the functioning of hospitals and schools. This also impacts the physical and mental health of the population and creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and despair.
What role do renewable energies play in addressing the electricity crisis in Cuba?
Renewable energies still play a limited role in addressing the electrical crisis in Cuba. Although there are operational photovoltaic solar parks, their contribution is insufficient to cover the energy deficit. The lack of significant progress in renewable energies underscores the need for more robust investment in this sector to improve the situation in the long term.
Filed under: