Cuba faces another day marked by widespread blackouts this Wednesday due to an extreme electricity deficit affecting the country during the summer season. The National Electric System (SEN) started the day with a supply of 1,730 MW against a demand of 3,120 MW, resulting in a current deficit of 1,414 MW, according to the Electric Union (UNE).
Gloomy forecast for the day
The authorities expect the situation to worsen in the coming hours. By noon, a shortfall of 1,300 MW is anticipated, while during the nighttime peak, the deficit could rise to 1,840 MW, with up to 1,910 MW in blackouts nationwide.
Havana under scheduled outages
In the capital, the Electric Company reported that this Tuesday the maximum outage was 117 MW, restored at 1:53 a.m. today. For this day, the plan includes staggered interruptions in different blocks from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, depending on the demands of the SEN.
The causes of the collapse
The system is suffering from severe breakdowns in key units, including the thermoelectric plant Antonio Guiteras in Matanzas, as well as Energas Varadero, the Renté CTE, and Felton. Other plants like Santa Cruz and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes are undergoing maintenance. Additionally, there are 305 MW offline due to thermal limitations and a lack of fuel affecting 94 distributed generation plants, with 835 MW out of service.
La Guiteras, a symbol of deterioration
The situation worsens due to the unexpected shutdown of the Guiteras, the largest power generating unit in the country, which suffered a boiler malfunction on Tuesday and will remain offline from the National Electric System (SEN) for at least 96 hours. Inaugurated in 1989, this plant has been without major maintenance for over 35 years, which explains the continuous failures. Just in July, it has recorded three major breakdowns, highlighting the structural collapse of the system.
Increasing social unrest
The worsening of power outages has sparked outrage on social media. Cubans from all over the country are reporting food loss, a lack of water, and the extreme heat faced by children and the elderly. “They should resign and hand over the country, anyone could do a better job than them,” wrote one user, while others warned that there are areas without electricity for over 36 hours. In provinces like Matanzas and Cienfuegos, power outages exceed 16 and 20 hours daily, according to reports on the wave of indignation following the new outage.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of power outages in Cuba?
The main cause of blackouts in Cuba is the deficit in electricity generation due to breakdowns at thermal power plants, such as Antonio Guiteras, and the shortage of fuel affecting distributed generation. The lack of maintenance and the obsolescence of the plants exacerbate the energy crisis.
How does the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant affect the Cuban electrical system?
The shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest generating unit in the country, significantly worsens the energy deficit, reducing generation capacity and increasing blackouts nationwide. This plant has experienced multiple breakdowns due to insufficient maintenance.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised investments to modernize energy infrastructures and recover generation capacity, in addition to announcing the purchase of mobile generation units. However, the lack of credibility in these promises and the ongoing fuel shortages hinder a short-term solution.
What is the social impact of prolonged blackouts in Cuba?
Prolonged blackouts have generated a growing social discontent among Cubans, who are facing difficulties in preserving food, accessing drinking water, and enduring high temperatures. The outrage is reflected in protests and criticisms of the government for its inability to guarantee essential basic services.
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