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Cuba enters another weekend marked by massive and uninterrupted blackouts, with a power generation deficit exceeding 1,800 megawatts (MW) this Saturday, according to the Electric Union (UNE).
In its official statement, the company acknowledged that the service was affected for 24 hours on Friday and continued into the early hours of Saturday.
The highest impact recorded the previous day was at 8:20 PM, with 1,882 MW out of service, a figure far above what was expected, following the unexpected shutdown of unit 3 at the Renté thermoelectric plant in Santiago de Cuba.
Critical availability and impossible demands
The scenario described by the UNE reveals the extent of the crisis: at 6:00 am, the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) barely had 1,630 MW available, against a real demand of 2,896 MW, which left a deficit of over a thousand megawatts early on.
But the worst is expected for the night, when consumption surges; during this peak period, demand could reach 3,500 MW, while availability would barely reach 1,775 MW, resulting in a deficit of about 1,725 MW and impacts extending up to 1,795 MW.
In practice, this means that the country will continue to experience widespread blackouts throughout the weekend.
Thermal power plants in crisis
The main thermal power plants in the country remain in a critical condition.
Unit 2 of CTE Felton (Holguín) and Unit 6 of CTE Nuevitas (Camagüey) are out of service.
Four units of the Mariel, Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Felton power plants are undergoing maintenance, with an additional limitation of 418 MW in thermal generation.
The situation worsened this Saturday with a new breakdown at the CTE Antonio Maceo, commonly known as Renté.
Unit 5 went out of service at 6:50 AM due to a leak in the furnace, just hours after Block 3 also collapsed, less than 11 hours after its synchronization.
The plant, one of the pillars of the eastern electrical system, is thus reduced to minimal capacity, highlighting the structural fragility of the SEN.
Distributed generation without fuel
Alongside the thermoelectric plants, distributed generation is also facing paralysis.
According to UNE, 52 power plants remain out of service due to a lack of fuel, affecting 403 MW, along with an additional 120 MW unavailable due to a shortage of lubricant, resulting in a total of 523 MW offline.
Although the entry of some engines and the synchronization of unit 5 in Mariel are anticipated, the impact is insufficient to meet the demand.
Havana is also in the dark
The Electric Company of Havana reported that the capital experienced more than 15 consecutive hours of power outage on Friday, with a maximum impact of 225 MW around 8:20 PM.
The six distribution blocks were compromised, and by the time the official report was issued, the service had not yet been restored.
The company reiterated that the supply depends exclusively on the orders from SEN, making it clear that outages are inevitable.
An exhausted population
The new blackouts add to weeks of daily power outages lasting over 20 hours in many provinces, amidst a collapsed electrical system, outdated thermoelectric plants, and insufficient renewable energy generation to meet demand.
Meanwhile, the 31 new photovoltaic solar parks in the country managed to contribute only 2,899 MWh on Friday, with a peak of 539 MW—significant, but still far below what is needed to mitigate the collapse of the SEN.
Cuba is facing yet another weekend under the shadow of widespread blackouts, with an increasingly deteriorated energy system and no immediate solutions in sight.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why is Cuba currently facing massive blackouts?
Cuba faces massive blackouts due to a power generation deficit exceeding 1,800 MW. This issue is compounded by breakdowns in several thermal power plant units, scheduled maintenance, and a severe fuel shortage. These factors have left the National Electric System (SEN) in a critical situation, unable to meet the country's energy demand.
What are the main causes of the electricity crisis in Cuba?
The main causes of the electricity crisis in Cuba include breakdowns in thermal units, prolonged maintenance of power plants, a shortage of fuel, and a lack of lubricants. These issues, combined with the obsolescence of the energy infrastructure and inefficient management, have led to a collapse of the national electric system.
What impact do power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Extended blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, interrupting essential services such as water supply, food refrigeration, and access to information. The lack of electricity also harms the economy, negatively affecting trade, production, and public services.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has tried to address the energy crisis through investments in renewable energy and appeals for energy efficiency. However, these measures have been insufficient due to the lack of investment in existing infrastructure and the dependence on fossil fuels, which remains a critical issue.
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