Only a little over 5 percent of Cuba has electricity service following the widespread blackout

After the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) on the morning of this Wednesday, the Electric Union (UNE) confirmed that only a little over 5 percent of the national demand has electricity.

In an update posted on Facebook, the state-owned company indicated that currently, there are more than 200 MW in electrical microsystems spread across several provinces, primarily aimed at ensuring the operation of hospitals, bakeries, and water pumping.

With a planned demand of 3,500 MW for the day, according to the official statement of the day, current coverage is a little over 5 percent of the country.

Before the collapse, the UNE had warned in a note that the situation of the SEN was critical.

On Tuesday, the shortfall reached 1,750 MW during the night hours, and for this Wednesday, a deficit of 1,790 MW was projected for the night peak, with a demand of 3,500 MW and availability well below what was necessary.

For its part, Cubavisión Internacional shared provincial reports indicating a still very limited restoration.

In Havana, by 3:30 PM, 4 substations and 13 circuits had been reconnected, which represents only 4.6 percent of the capital's customers.

In Matanzas, about 3 percent of consumers have regained service, prioritizing hospitals such as Faustino Pérez and the Maternity Hospital, as well as water pumping stations.

In Cienfuegos, the reactivation of a microsystem has been reported, benefiting approximately 8,000 customers, which also accounts for 3 percent of the territory.

The official portal Cubadebate reported that five microsystems have been created in Pinar del Río to ensure the operation of hospitals and water wells, while official sources emphasized that solar parks cannot be utilized under these conditions due to the instability they cause.

The media spokesperson detailed that in Villa Clara, partial restoration has been reported in the circuits of hospitals and aqueducts in Santa Clara, Placetas, Sagua, and Caibarién, through a microsystem that prioritizes vital health centers and basic services.

In the central-eastern region, the UNE reported that the Felton 1 unit is under maintenance and that only Nuevitas, the Moa engines, and one unit from Renté are available, which will make the recovery process slow and gradual.

In Las Tunas, generation islands are already operational, providing about 8 megawatts to supply the provincial capital's hospital complex, with the expectation of increasing the output to 13 megawatts after the fuel oil engines are activated.

Although the authorities insist that fuel is being distributed and distributed generation is being reinforced to advance recovery, the reality is that the vast majority of the country remains in the dark.

This is the second massive blackout of the year, in a context of evidently collapsed infrastructure and with no short-term improvement in sight.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Cuba stated that this general blackout that occurred in the morning across the island did not cause damage to the thermoelectric plants.

Additionally, the fall of the SEN occurs less than a week after the eastern region of Cuba experienced a massive blackout that was confined only to that area of the island.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Electric Crisis in Cuba