The Electric Union (UNE) confirmed this Saturday that the country is still experiencing widespread blackouts with no clear prospects for improvement.
According to the official report of the National Electric System (SEN), the power outages have been ongoing since Friday and throughout the entire morning today, with cuts reaching 1757 MW at 11:20 pm, coinciding with the peak demand time.
The figure was higher than planned due to the non-entry of unit 5 of the CTE Mariel during this period and the unexpected shutdown of unit 6 of the same power plant.
At 7:00 AM, there were over 1148 MW affected by capacity deficit, and during peak hours, it is estimated that the impact will increase to 1200 MW.
A system that does not respond
The energy collapse is due, among other factors, to critical breakdowns, scheduled maintenance, and a concerning lack of fuel.
Thermal power plants (CTE), the backbone of electricity generation in Cuba, are continuing to spiral into deterioration and failures. Currently, two units at the CTE Mariel are out of order, along with one unit at Felton.
And in maintenance, four others at the CTEs Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, Diez de Octubre, and Renté.
This is compounded by a thermal limitation of 389 MW, which further compromises the stability of the SEN.
But perhaps the most alarming aspect is the lack of fuel, a situation that this Saturday leaves 50 distributed generation plants unable to operate, totaling 542 MW out of service due to shortages of fuel, diesel, and lubricating oil.
The Moa plant, for example, has lost 119 MW, while another 80 MW are out of service due to a lack of oil.
Solar energy, insufficient
In the midst of the chaos, the UNE points out as a positive note that the 16 new photovoltaic solar parks generated 1,528 MWh in the last 24 hours, with a maximum output of 367 MW.
However, this contribution is not sufficient to cover the deficit and cannot guarantee stability during nighttime hours, when demand peaks without support from renewable energy sources.
An endless blackout... with no answers
For tonight, the projection is even more grim: a availability of 1930 MW is expected against a demand of 3450 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1520 MW and a projected impact of 1590 MW.
In other words, millions of Cubans will spend another night in the dark, amid high temperatures, lack of water, and suspended services.
The energy crisis plaguing the country shows no signs of reversal, and the government has not provided structural solutions, beyond blaming the U.S. embargo and promising investments that never materialize.
Meanwhile, citizens remain trapped in a cycle of power outages exceeding 20 hours, spoiled food, and no conditions for a decent life.
The Cuban population, already battered by inflation, food shortages, and the collapse of transportation, is facing widespread blackouts that seem endless.
And the State, far from assuming responsibilities or presenting a realistic recovery plan, remains silent, leaving the country literally in the dark.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity deficit in Cuba and how does it affect the population?
The current electricity deficit in Cuba reaches 1600 MW, leading to widespread blackouts that affect millions of Cubans. These power outages severely impact daily life, leaving many families without electricity for more than 20 hours a day, exacerbating issues such as water shortages and food preservation.
What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba include breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, lack of maintenance, and an alarming shortage of fuel. Additionally, distributed generation is paralyzed in many areas due to a lack of diesel and oil, which further reduces electricity generation capacity.
What role does solar energy play in the Cuban electrical system?
Although new photovoltaic solar parks have been installed, solar energy in Cuba represents an insufficient contribution to meet the current energy deficit. Solar generation cannot compensate for the lack of energy during nighttime hours, when demand is higher and renewable sources are unavailable.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has not provided effective structural solutions for the energy crisis. Authorities have cited the U.S. embargo as one of the causes of the problem, but they have not implemented a realistic plan to improve the energy infrastructure or ensure a long-term fuel supply.
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