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The Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) reported this Monday that the National Electric System (SEN) is facing a generation deficit that will exceed 1,600 megawatts (MW) during peak hours, which will lead to blackouts throughout the country.
According to the official report, the availability for the day is 1,910 MW compared to an estimated maximum demand of 3,450 MW, which will result in an impact of up to 1,610 MW at night. In the morning hours, a deficit of 1,201 MW was already recorded, and a shortfall of 1,100 MW was forecasted for noon.
At 6:00 AM this Monday, the availability was 1,720 MW compared to a demand of 2,795 MW. Reported incidents include malfunctions in units 6 of the Mariel Power Plant, and units 3, 5, and 6 of the Renté Power Plant, as well as unit 2 of the Felton Power Plant. Unit 1 of Felton, unit 2 of Santa Cruz, and unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Power Plant remain under maintenance. Additionally, there are 388 MW out of service due to thermal limitations and 603 MW unavailable due to a lack of fuel and lubricants.
The Electric Company of Havana announced that the service was interrupted from 11:00 PM on Sunday until 7:30 AM on Monday, with a maximum impact of 217 MW. The entity also shared the schedule for blackouts on September 8 and 9, which includes cuts across the six blocks of the capital at various times throughout the day and early morning.
The figures released today by the UNE come after the massive blackout on Sunday, September 7, when the disconnection of the 220 kV Nuevitas-Tunas line left several eastern provinces without electricity, from Las Tunas to Guantánamo.
In Santiago de Cuba, the power outages lasted more than 24 hours and sparked a casserole protest in several neighborhoods of the city, where residents banged pots and shouted, “We want electricity!” in protest against the prolonged service interruption.
The UNE assured in the early hours of Monday that the eastern electrical system has been gradually restored, first in Las Tunas and Camagüey, and finally in Holguín, Santiago, and Guantánamo, although instability persists in the SEN.
In the midst of this crisis, ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel returned from a tour of Asia and stated on his official X account that he is following the situation of the electrical system “closely.” His return has been questioned by opponents, who accuse him of evading the internal crisis marked by power outages lasting between 8 and 16 hours in various regions of the country.
Meanwhile, millions of Cubans face prolonged power outages every day that impact food preservation, access to water, and daily life. The deficit announced by the UNE confirms that the energy crisis is far from resolved and that blackouts will continue to be a reality on the Island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why are blackouts happening in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are due to a significant deficit in electricity generation. According to the Electric Union of Cuba (UNE), the National Electric System (SEN) faces a generation deficit exceeding 1,600 MW, which does not allow for the country's electricity demand to be met, especially during peak hours. This situation is worsened by breakdowns in several thermal units, a lack of fuel, and prolonged maintenance of other units.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
Although new photovoltaic solar parks have been added, their contribution is insufficient to offset the structural deficit of the SEN. No new structural measures have been announced to address the energy crisis. The lack of investment in infrastructure and the chronic fuel shortages continue to be significant challenges that the government has yet to resolve.
How are power outages affecting the Cuban population?
Prolonged power outages severely impact the daily lives of Cubans. These power cuts disrupt food preservation, access to water, and hinder basic household activities. Furthermore, they create social unrest and protests in various regions of the country, as the interruptions can last anywhere from 8 to 16 hours in different areas.
What is the impact of renewable energies on the electricity crisis in Cuba?
Renewable energies fail to offset the electrical deficit in Cuba. Although several photovoltaic solar parks have been installed that generate a significant amount of energy, the capacity remains insufficient to meet national demand. The dependence on non-renewable energy sources and the lack of investment in infrastructure perpetuate the energy crisis on the island.
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