Cubans will face another day on Tuesday marked by prolonged blackouts and a deficit in electricity generation capacity, according to the official report from the regime.
The statement from the Electric Union (UNE) posted on Facebook indicates that the National Electric System (SEN) reports an estimated deficit of 1,770 megawatts (MW) during peak hours on July 15th, which constitutes a critical impact for thousands of Cubans who are also enduring an extremely hot summer.
On the previous day, the power service was interrupted for 24 hours, reaching a maximum impact of 1,673 MW at 10:00 PM, coinciding with the peak demand period.
A statement from the UNE indicates that at 7:00 AM, the availability of the SEN was 1,740 MW against a demand of 3,120 MW, resulting in an impact of 1,405 MW.
It is estimated that at noon, the impact will remain around 1,150 MW, while at night, demand could rise to 3,670 MW, with availability just above 1,970 MW.
Among the main causes of the collapse are malfunctions in key units, such as Unit 2 of the Felton CTE and Unit 3 of the Renté CTE.
Maintenance is currently underway at the thermal power plants in Santa Cruz, Guiteras, Cienfuegos, and Renté, the entity explains.
It also acknowledges that the lack of fuel keeps 812 MW inactive: 662 MW in distributed generation and 150 MW in the Melones plant.
It also notes that solar energy does not meet the deficit, as although 21 new photovoltaic solar parks generated 2,251 MWh on the previous day, with a peak of 544 MW, this figure does not compensate for the widespread deterioration of the Cuban electrical system.
For its part, the Electric Company of Havana reported that the capital was affected for more than 15 hours on Monday, with a maximum impact of 53 MW at 10:00 PM.
In the early hours of Tuesday, power outages continued in the city, including emergencies outside the official schedule.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, acknowledged before the Cuban Parliament that, although there is a "viable strategy" to recover the SEN, blackouts will continue due to fuel shortages and the obsolescence of thermoelectric plants.
"The goal is to reach rotating blackouts of about four hours a day," he said, although the reality is far from that promise: many areas of the country experience outages that exceed 18 hours a day.
The production of national oil has also drastically decreased, falling from 3.6 million to 2.1 million tons, and imports of diesel and fuel oil remain insufficient.
In contrast to the hopeful message from the minister, figures such as Roberto Morales Ojeda and President Miguel Díaz-Canel himself have been more explicit in acknowledging that the root of the crisis is the lack of fuel.
The gap between the official discourse and the harsh reality faced by Cubans continues to widen, as the SEN collapses under the weight of chronic shortages, technological deterioration, and structural improvisation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Electric Deficit in Cuba
What is the main cause of the electricity deficit in Cuba?
The main cause of the electrical deficit in Cuba is the lack of fuel, combined with breakdowns and maintenance in key units of thermal power plants, such as Felton and Renté. Additionally, outdated infrastructure and limited thermal generation significantly contribute to the energy crisis the country is facing.
How does the electricity deficit affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The electrical deficit causes prolonged blackouts across the country, affecting the quality of life for citizens. The constant interruptions in the electrical service impact health, productivity, and the functioning of basic services such as hospitals, schools, and businesses, plunging the country into a state of despair and uncertainty.
What role do renewable energies play in Cuba's electrical crisis?
Renewable energies, such as solar, are unable to meet the energy deficit in Cuba. Despite the addition of new solar parks, their production is insufficient to offset the widespread deterioration of the electrical system. The lack of investment in infrastructure and the reliance on outdated technologies limit the positive impact of these energy sources.
What is the Cuban government's response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the crisis, but the proposed solutions remain insufficient. Despite promises to restore the National Electric System (SEN) and to implement rotating blackouts, the reality is that power outages exceed 18 hours a day in many areas, with no immediate solution in sight.
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