The electricity supply crisis in Cuba continues to intensify, with blackouts affecting a population exhausted by the energy poverty they face as part of the systemic crisis caused by the Cuban regime.
The official report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) this Saturday indicated on social media a maximum impact of 1,500 megawatts (MW) at 9:50 PM the previous day, coinciding with the peak demand and exceeding previous estimates.
This figure represents an increase compared to the previous day, when a deficit of 1,531 MW was recorded at 9:20 PM.
The current availability of the National Electric System (SEN) is 1,949 MW compared to a demand of 2,895 MW, resulting in an impact of 946 MW.
For the peak hours of the day, a availability of 2,010 MW is projected, with a demand of 3,450 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,440 MW and an estimated impact of 1,510 MW.
Among the main causes of the collapse are the shutdown of Unit 5 at the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Power Plant, breakdowns at other plants, simultaneous maintenance work, and fuel issues affecting distributed generation.
Furthermore, the 16 photovoltaic solar parks in the country contributed only 1,463 MWh, with a maximum power output of 387 MW during peak hours, figures that are insufficient to meet the increasing national demand.
The situation has remained critical throughout the week. On June 1, the UNE forecasted impacts of up to 1,590 MW during peak hours. On June 2, a breakdown at the Energas plant in Boca de Jaruco caused an increase in the impact, reaching 1,717 MW.
On June 4, it was reported that the SEN would face a generation deficit that would leave a third of the country without electricity during peak hours, with an estimated impact of up to 1,290 MW.
Despite promises to reduce the deficit, the reality has been quite the opposite, with prolonged blackouts and an increasingly fragile electrical infrastructure.
The Cuban population continues to suffer from power outages lasting over 20 hours in some areas, which severely impacts food preservation, access to water, the operation of hospitals and schools, and the physical and mental health of millions of citizens.
The lack of sustainable solutions and the rising energy demand during the summer further exacerbate the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity deficit in Cuba?
The electric deficit in Cuba has exceeded 1,500 MW, severely impacting the power supply throughout the country. This situation has led to prolonged and intermittent blackouts, affecting millions of people and all aspects of daily life on the island.
What are the main causes of blackouts in Cuba?
The main causes of the electrical deficit in Cuba include breakdowns in several thermoelectric plants, simultaneous maintenance of generating units, fuel issues, and limitations in thermal generation. Additionally, the outdated electrical infrastructure and lack of investment have exacerbated the energy crisis.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The Cuban population is facing power outages of over 20 hours, which impacts food preservation, access to water, the operation of hospitals and schools, and the physical and mental health of citizens. This situation has led to significant social discontent and an increasingly precarious quality of life.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has made promises to reduce the electrical deficit, but has not implemented effective structural solutions. Despite the addition of photovoltaic solar parks, renewable energy production remains insufficient to meet the growing demand. The lack of concrete and sustainable solutions continues to exacerbate the crisis.
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