Villa Clara experienced a nearly total blackout: Electricity in only 7 circuits

Villa Clara is experiencing an almost total blackout, with only 7 out of 160 circuits active due to insufficient thermal generation. Havana is also facing a severe energy crisis, with prolonged outages and multiple blocks out of service.

Park in Villa Clara at nightPhoto © CiberCuba

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Villa Clara is experiencing this Saturday an almost total blackout as only 7 circuits out of more than 160 in the province had electricity service this morning.

“At 9:40 AM today, Saturday, most of the circuits in Villa Clara remained without power due to unstable and insufficient thermal generation. The director of the Load Dispatch, Yadier Ruiz, stated that the deficit in the province exceeds 135 MW,” the provincial government reported on Facebook.

"They have 22 MW available, serving only 7 residential circuits out of more than 160. The generation of electricity in Cuba continues to face a complex situation," the information specifies.

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"The general director of the Electric Company in Villa Clara, Eng. Eduardo Pérez Reyes, also stated that only 20 MW were available during last night and early this morning," they concluded.

Havana also in total blackout

This Saturday, Havana also woke up under a severe energy crisis, after four of the six main blocks of the electrical system went out of service.

The massive blackout affects hundreds of thousands of residents and threatens to extend over the next few hours, while authorities race against time to restore the service.

According to the technical reports from the Electric Company of Havana on Telegram, the units 1, 3, 4, and 5 are halted due to emergency, while another key unit remains offline for scheduled maintenance.

The situation with the generating blocks has drastically reduced generation capacity and forced the implementation of prolonged outages in various municipalities.

Residents of Havana neighborhoods such as Centro Habana, Diez de Octubre, and Marianao have voiced their dissatisfaction with the situation. The state-owned company confirmed that the electrical service in Havana was disrupted all day on Friday. As of Saturday morning, the service had still not been restored.

The maximum impact was 198 MW at 8:40 PM. All six blocks were affected.

“The conditions regarding generation availability continue, so for today the outages will persist with an average duration of up to 4 hours,” the company wrote.

In comments on social media, some noted that they had already accumulated several hours without electricity, affecting food preservation, access to water, and communication.

The crisis adds to a series of recurring failures in the energy infrastructure of the country, characterized by outdated equipment, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages.

The generation deficit reached 1,939 megawatts in Cuba during the peak nighttime hours on Friday, while for this Saturday, an impact of 1,868 MW is expected, according to official sources.

The magnitude of the deficit has forced the implementation of prolonged and unequal cuts, making it impossible to establish a stable rotation system for the different territories.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba

What is the current situation of the electricity supply in Villa Clara?

In Villa Clara, only 7 of the more than 160 circuits are currently receiving electricity. This is due to the unstable and insufficient thermal generation, with a deficit exceeding 135 MW in the province.

How does the current energy crisis affect Havana?

La Habana is experiencing prolonged power outages due to four of its six main blocks being out of service. The electricity cuts have impacted entire neighborhoods, and interruptions are expected to continue.

What are the main causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?

The main causes of the energy collapse in Cuba include breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, lack of maintenance, fuel shortages, and obsolete infrastructure. These deficiencies have resulted in a generation deficit reaching 1,939 MW during peak hours.

What impact do power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?

Power outages severely affect daily life in Cuba, causing issues with food preservation, access to water and communication, as well as impacting essential services such as hospitals and schools.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.