The official statement from Unión Eléctrica (UNE) on June 16 warns that Cuba experienced disruptions in service throughout the entire previous day, which continued into the early hours of Monday.
The highest recorded impact on Sunday was 1,630 MW at 9:10 PM, a figure that exceeded the planned forecasts due to demand being higher than anticipated. This highlights the complete inability of the National Electric System (SEN) to meet even minimal consumption needs.
Critical availability
At 07:00 hours this Monday, the UNE reported an availability of only 1,770 MW against a demand of 2,965 MW. This translates to a deficit of 1,237 MW, a figure that could rise to 1,650 MW during the nighttime peak if current conditions persist.
To try to alleviate the situation during peak hours, the incorporation of unit 3 of the Renté CTE is planned, with only 60 MW, along with five engines at the Moa fuel plant, also providing 60 MW. However, this power injection would be insufficient, as the maximum demand is estimated at 3,470 MW, while availability would barely reach 1,890 MW.
Widespread incidents and structural failures
The SEN presents a critical situation, with multiple thermal power units out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance.
Units 5 of the CTE Mariel, Unit 2 of the CTE Felton, and Unit 3 of the CTE Renté are out of service. This is in addition to scheduled maintenance at 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.
The thermal limitations account for an additional 363 MW out of service, further exacerbating the situation. And as if that weren’t enough, the fuel shortage continues to have a severe impact: 72 distributed generation plants are not operational due to this issue, representing a decrease of 443 MW.
This is in addition to 66 MW offline due to a lack of oil in the distributed generation engines, bringing the total to 509 MW unusable due to a lack of energy resources.
Solar parks are not enough
The UNE highlighted that the 16 new photovoltaic solar parks produced 1,637 MWh on Sunday, with a maximum capacity of 360 MW. However, this renewable contribution does not compensate for the immense structural shortcomings of the thermal system or the lack of fuel.
Blackouts in Cuba are not a new phenomenon. They have been impacting the daily lives of millions of citizens for over five years.
There are regions where power outages exceed 20 hours a day, making it impossible not only to work or study, but also to cook, preserve food, or rest.
In a country with a paralyzed economy and widespread scarcity of resources, electricity has become a luxury. Meanwhile, despair is growing. Official promises do not translate into real improvements, and the feeling of abandonment deepens with each night spent in darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the electrical deficit in Cuba?
The electric deficit in Cuba is primarily due to the inability of the National Electric System (SEN) to meet demand because of breakdowns, maintenance issues, and a lack of fuel. Continuous technical failures and a shortage of energy resources have significantly weakened the country's generation capacity.
How does the energy crisis impact daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis is severely impacting daily life in Cuba, with blackouts of up to 20 hours a day in some regions. This situation hinders basic activities such as cooking, preserving food, and resting, in addition to affecting work and study. The population is facing increasing despair due to the lack of effective solutions.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the electricity crisis?
Although the government has focused on energy efficiency and the incorporation of renewable energies, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the electrical crisis in Cuba. The aging infrastructure and dependence on fossil fuels continue to be significant obstacles to an effective recovery of the electrical system.
What is the role of renewable energy in Cuba's energy situation?
Renewable energies, especially solar energy, have been promoted as part of the solution, but their contribution is insufficient to compensate for the deficiencies of the electrical system in Cuba. Despite efforts to diversify the energy matrix, solar farms are unable to meet the growing demand or alleviate the structural shortcomings of the thermal system and fuel shortages.
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