The energy crisis in Cuba continues to worsen. The Electric Union (UNE) reported this Saturday, July 5, that the country experienced electrical service disruptions for 24 hours on Friday, a situation that persisted throughout the night into today.
And the outlook for the coming hours is not promising.
According to the official report, the highest recorded deficit was 1685 MW at 10:30 PM, surpassing the projected 1,535 MW, resulting from a higher-than-expected consumption and the unexpected outage of unit 3 of the Renté thermoelectric plant in Santiago de Cuba.
Relentless blackouts and overwhelming deficits
At 7:00 am this Saturday, the generation availability across the National Electric System (SEN) was only 1970 MW, compared to a demand of 3020 MW, creating a deficit of 1080 MW.
At noon, a demand reduction of at least 1050 MW is expected.
But the greatest collapse is expected for the night. During those hours, a recovery of 50 MW is estimated from distributed generation engines that are offline due to fuel issues, along with the reactivation of unit 3 of the CTE Renté, providing 55 MW.
Despite this, the UNE anticipates a demand of 3,650 MW and only 2,075 MW of available generation, leaving the country with a deficit of 1,575 MW.
If these conditions persist, the impact would be 1645 MW.
Broken thermoelectrics and engines stalled due to lack of fuel
The current state of the SEN remains marked by the massive unavailability of thermal units. Unit 3 of Renté and Unit 2 of Felton are still out of service.
In addition, another three units from the CTE Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté are undergoing scheduled maintenance, and there are 431 MW out of service due to technical limitations.
On the other hand, the lack of fuel strongly impacts distributed generation:
98 plants are out of operation, which amounts to 848 MW unavailable.
Another 20 MW are stalled due to a lack of oil for the engines.
A total of 868 MW of generation cannot operate today due to a lack of fuels, reflecting the severe energy shortages faced by the country.
Solar energy: still marginal
Although 18 photovoltaic solar parks have been installed in the country, their impact remains limited. Friday's production was 1660 MWh, with a peak power of 461 MW at noon, far from the actual needs of the SEN.
A summer under endless blackouts
The data confirms what millions of Cubans are already experiencing: prolonged, frequent blackouts without respite.
Despite the official statements about a "joyful summer," the reality is that the majority of the country spends nights without electricity, without fans, without pumped water, and in many cases, without the ability to preserve food.
And if the system cannot be stabilized—something increasingly unlikely without fuel, without spare parts, and with thermoelectric plants on the brink of collapse—darkness will continue to define the daily lives of Cubans during this sweltering summer.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why are there power outages in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are a consequence of a significant deficit in electricity generation. The thermoelectric plants in the country are in poor condition, many units are broken or under maintenance, and there is a critical shortage of fuel that impacts distributed generation. These issues are compounded by an electricity demand that exceeds the available generation capacity.
What are the main causes of the electric deficit in Cuba?
The electrical deficit in Cuba is due to breakdowns in thermal power units, scheduled maintenance of other units, and a severe fuel shortage. Additionally, the electrical infrastructure is outdated, which exacerbates the situation. Solar energy generation is still insufficient to meet the country’s needs.
What is the impact of power outages on the daily life of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts severely affect the daily lives of Cubans. Citizens face challenges in preserving food, accessing water, and keeping essential appliances functioning. Moreover, key sectors such as health, education, and commerce also experience disruptions, creating a climate of uncertainty and frustration among the population.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented scheduled blackouts and prioritized electricity supply for essential services, such as hospitals. However, these measures have not been enough to resolve the situation. There have been calls for energy efficiency and investments in renewable energy, but the impact remains limited due to aging infrastructure and a lack of resources.
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