The energy crisis in Cuba continues to intensify, with an electricity deficit exceeding 1,600 megawatts (MW), according to the report published this Wednesday by the Unión Eléctrica (UNE).
According to the report, the electric service was affected for 24 hours the previous day, and the disruptions continued throughout the early hours of today.
The highest impact was reported at 10:00 PM, coinciding with peak demand hours, with a deficit of 1,655 MW.
At 7:00 a.m., the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was 1,785 MW, while the demand reached 2,940 MW, resulting in an impact of 1,203 MW at that time.
By noon, a slight improvement is expected with 1,180 MW affected.
However, the situation for the prime nighttime hours is even more critical.
For that segment, the entry of unit 5 of Mariel with 65 MW is estimated, along with the recovery of 80 MW from distributed generation engines that are currently offline due to fuel issues.
The UNE projects an availability of only 1,930 MW, compared to an estimated demand of 3,500 MW, which will result in a deficit of 1,570 MW and a potential real impact of up to 1,640 MW.
Major incidents
Three units with breakdowns at the Mariel, Nuevitas, and Felton power plants.
Maintenance: Unit 5 of the CTE Mariel, Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos, Unit 6 of the CTE Diez de Octubre, and Unit 5 of the CTE Renté.
Thermal limitations: 298 MW out of service.
Problems due to lack of fuel: 568 MW, distributed across 70 distributed generation plants (493 MW) and 75 MW due to lack of oil in distributed generation engines.
Regarding renewable energy generation, the country's 16 photovoltaic solar parks contributed a total of 1,374 megawatt-hours (MWh) on Tuesday, with a peak of 386 MW of power delivered at noon.
Despite this contribution, it is not enough to compensate for the deficiencies of the system.
The Electric Company of Havana has also published on its official channels the schedule of outages by municipality, outlining the planned interruptions in the capital.
According to the Electric Company of Havana, this Sunday there will be power outages affecting the following blocks of the city.
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm: block #3
From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm: block #4
From 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm: block #5
From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM: block #1
From 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM: block #2
This scenario confirms the ongoing deterioration of the country's energy infrastructure, which faces technical failures, limited generation capacity, and a growing demand that cannot be met, severely affecting the daily lives of Cubans.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba exceeds 1,600 megawatts (MW), according to the most recent report from the Electric Union (UNE). This situation has remained constant in recent weeks, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans and showing no signs of improvement in the short term.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to breakdowns in several thermoelectric units, scheduled maintenance, and a lack of fuel. Additionally, outdated infrastructure and a shortage of investments have exacerbated the problem, resulting in prolonged blackouts that affect the population daily.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The Cuban population is experiencing extended blackouts that affect essential activities such as cooking, using appliances, and food preservation. Additionally, power cuts negatively impact critical sectors like health, transportation, and education, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and despair.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has announced temporary solutions and investment plans in renewable energies, such as the incorporation of solar parks. However, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the energy deficit, and the population continues to suffer from constant blackouts while awaiting a more effective structural solution.
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