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The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba continues to face a critical situation, with an energy deficit that on Thursday, June 19, approaches 1,700 MW, according to the Electric Union (UNE) in its .
According to the report, the service was impacted for 24 hours on Wednesday and into the early hours of today. The highest impact was 1,684 MW at 10:00 PM, although this peak did not coincide with the period of highest demand.
At 7:00 AM this Thursday, the total availability of the National Electric System was 1,880 MW against a demand of 2,980 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,172 MW at that time. By noon, the expected impact is estimated to be around 1,150 MW.
The forecast for peak hours is equally concerning: a maximum demand of 3,500 MW is expected, with no significant change in availability, which would imply a deficit of 1,620 MW. The anticipated impact during that period would rise to 1,690 MW if current conditions persist.
Regarding the generating park, several thermal power plants remain out of service.
Unit 2 of the Felton Power Plant is out of service, while four blocks from the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, Diez de Octubre, and Renté Power Plants are under maintenance.
This is compounded by a serious impact on distributed generation, with 80 plants out of service due to a lack of fuel, which represents a reduction of 578 MW in capacity.
In addition, another 109 MW are affected by a lack of oil, bringing the total offline in this segment to 687 MW.
The limitations in thermal generation amount to a total of 434 MW.
The UNE reported that the 16 new photovoltaic solar parks generated 1,790 MWh on Wednesday, reaching a peak power of 377 MW during midday hours.
Scheduled blackouts in Havana
The Electric Company of Havana reported that, due to the generation deficit in the national interconnected system, service interruptions will be implemented in the capital according to the following schedule:
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm: Block #3 will be affected.
From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm: Block #4 will be affected.
From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, block #5 will rotate.
From 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, block #1 will be affected.
From 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM, block #2 will be affected.
The balance sheet of the SEN reflects a system seriously hampered by technical failures, maintenance issues, and fuel shortages, which keeps the electrical grid and the Cuban population in a state of constant tension.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Deficit in Cuba
What is the current situation of the Cuban electrical system?
The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba is facing a critical energy deficit of around 1,700 MW. This situation has led to prolonged power outages and daily impacts on the population due to insufficient generation capacity in relation to the growing demand.
What are the main causes of the energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba is due to multiple factors, such as the obsolescence of thermal power plants, lack of fuel, and technical issues in distributed generation. Additionally, many units are out of service for maintenance or breakdowns, which exacerbates the situation.
How is this deficit affecting the Cuban population?
The Cuban population is experiencing scheduled and prolonged blackouts, which negatively impacts daily quality of life, affecting both household activities and basic services as well as the economy. This situation has led to increasing social unrest and protests in some regions.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to mitigate the crisis through the incorporation of renewable energies, such as photovoltaic solar. However, these temporary solutions have not addressed the structural problem, and promises for long-term solutions remain unfulfilled.
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