The Cuban government admitted that several emergency power plants in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba have collapsed due to prolonged use, amid a critical energy generation situation affecting the entire country.
This was acknowledged by authorities from the electric office during a report issued this Monday and broadcast by the official TurquinoTeVe, where they also outlined the expected impacts for the day.
Although they claim that vital services, such as hospitals and water pumping systems, are prioritized, they acknowledged that the emergency generators— not designed for continuous operation— are systematically failing.
"These groups of appliances are for emergencies, they are not meant for extended use, and they are collapsing," said a spokesperson for the national electrical system, referring to the auxiliary generators installed at various medical centers in the province.
The situation threatens the operational stability of hospitals and clinics in Santiago de Cuba, as well as the lives of people.
Energy failures directly impact services such as intensive care, medication refrigeration, and water pumping.
According to the report, the province of Santiago de Cuba faces an estimated demand of 180 megawatts, while at the national level, the impacts are extremely high.
While technical reviews are being conducted and efforts are made to reorganize the distribution of the scarce electrical supply, the outlook remains uncertain.
No specific contingency plan or logistical reinforcements for the affected hospitals have been publicly reported.
The crisis is intensifying
At 6:00 AM this Wednesday, the SEN had only 1,680 MW available to meet a demand of 3,050 MW, creating a deficit of 1,418 MW. During peak hours, an even greater impact is estimated: 1,550 MW.
For the nighttime peak, although partial contributions are expected from Renté (50 MW), Mariel (95 MW), and engines in the Regla area (48 MW), the deficit will remain overwhelming: 1,788 MW, with an estimated impact of 1,858 MW.
The blackouts are a result of five thermal units being out of order, three undergoing maintenance, 294 MW limited thermally, and the fuel shortage that has left 63 distributed generation plants out of service, as well as some of the floating tanks.
The most powerful floating power plant that operated in Cuba has definitively left the port of Havana on Wednesday morning.
With a capacity of 240 megawatts (MW), its shutdown leaves behind a deep warning signal: the country is left with only one operational generator, while blackouts worsen and the national energy system crumbles.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba
Why have the power plants in the hospitals of Santiago de Cuba collapsed?
The emergency power plants in hospitals in Santiago de Cuba have collapsed due to prolonged use. These plants, which are not designed for continuous operation, have systematically failed due to the critical energy generation situation affecting the entire country. This situation jeopardizes the operational stability of hospitals and clinics, as well as the lives of those who depend on these services.
What is the current energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba is alarming. The country is facing a deficit that exceeds 1,800 megawatts (MW), which has resulted in prolonged blackouts throughout the national territory. This deficit is due to a combination of broken thermal units, maintenance of plants, thermal limitations, and fuel shortages, among other factors.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
So far, there has been no public announcement of a specific contingency plan or logistical reinforcements for the affected hospitals. Technical reviews are being conducted and efforts are being made to reorganize the distribution of the limited electricity supply, but the situation remains uncertain. The lack of investment in maintenance and the scarcity of resources exacerbate the crisis.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely affects the daily lives of citizens. Prolonged blackouts have a direct impact on medical care in hospitals, food preservation, access to drinking water, and overall quality of life. Cubans face entire days without electricity, which also affects the functioning of schools, businesses, and homes.
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