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The National Electric System (SEN) is facing a profound generation crisis, with issues intensifying over the last 24 hours across the country, as reported by the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) and the Electric Company of Havana in official statements.
According to UNE, on August 13, there were reports of power service disruptions that lasted for 24 hours, and this situation continued into the early hours of Thursday. The generation capacity deficit reached 1,725 MW at 8:30 p.m., a figure that exceeded expectations due to the shutdown of fuel engines at the Mariel power plant.
On August 14, at 6:00 a.m., the availability of the national electricity system (SEN) was 2,240 MW, compared to a demand of 3,041 MW, with 836 MW already affected. The UNE anticipated that during the midday hours, the outages could reach 900 MW, and during the peak nighttime hours, a maximum demand of 3,700 MW is expected, with only 2,240 MW available, resulting in a deficit of 1,460 MW and a potential impact of up to 1,530 MW.
Incidents in the system
The main disruptions in the National Electric System (SEN) are due to multiple factors. There is a malfunction in Unit 2 of the Felton Thermal Power Plant, and there are scheduled maintenance activities for Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Thermal Power Plant, Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermal Power Plant (Cienfuegos), and Unit 5 of the Renté Thermal Power Plant.
Thermal limitations persist with 481 MW out of service, and the government reports a fuel shortage in 56 distributed generation plants, affecting 309 MW.
Although 25 new photovoltaic solar parks were added, their contribution remains limited. On Tuesday, they generated 2,762 MWh, with a peak capacity of 514 MW at midday, which is insufficient to cover the growing deficits.
Prolonged blackouts in Havana
In the capital, the reported an interruption of 12 hours and 59 minutes, with a peak of 55 MW at 8:30 p.m. Although additional outages were planned in several blocks of the city, it was not necessary to affect some of them during the night, thanks to a slight improvement in availability during that time.
Despite efforts to plan the blackouts, the situation remains unstable and power outages have been unavoidable, severely impacting the daily lives of Cubans and worsening the already difficult economic situation.
The UNE has not provided a recovery schedule and continues to urge the population to use energy wisely amid the crisis the country is facing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation of the electrical deficit in Cuba?
The electrical deficit in Cuba has reached critical levels, exceeding 1,700 MW. The lack of generation capacity has led to prolonged blackouts, significantly impacting the daily lives of Cubans. The crisis is due to a combination of breakdowns in thermal power plants, scheduled maintenance, and a severe shortage of fuel.
What factors are contributing to the energy crisis in Cuba?
The main factors contributing to the energy crisis in Cuba include breakdowns and maintenance issues at thermal power plants, fuel shortages, and an outdated electrical infrastructure. Furthermore, although solar photovoltaic parks have been added, their contribution remains insufficient to cover the energy deficit.
How are blackouts affecting the daily life of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts are severely affecting the daily lives of Cubans, interfering with essential activities such as cooking, using appliances, and food preservation. The lack of a reliable electricity supply also negatively impacts basic services and the country's economic activity.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented scheduled power outages and is promoting the use of renewable energies, such as solar. However, these measures have not been sufficient to alleviate the crisis, as the lack of maintenance, fuel shortages, and the obsolescence of thermal power plants remain structural problems.
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