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Widespread blackouts affected all of Cuba during Saturday and the early hours of this Sunday, leaving millions of people without electricity in what the Electric Union (UNE) described as a day of maximum impact for the National Electric Power System (SEN).
According to the UNE, the generation capacity deficit reached 2010 MW at 8:50 PM, a figure higher than planned due to the unexpected outage of unit 6 at the Renté thermoelectric power plant and the failure of unit 5 at the Mariel power plant to come online.
Early this Sunday, the availability of the SEN was 1700 MW, compared to a demand of 3000 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1330 MW.
By noon, an impact of 1200 MW was estimated, and during peak hours, a deficit of 1640 MW is expected, with a projected impact of 1710 MW, indicating that the energy situation shows no signs of improvement.
Currently, several units are out of service: two from the Felton CTE and the Nuevitas CTE are down, while three blocks from the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Felton CTEs remain under maintenance.
The limitations in thermal generation total 492 MW.
Additionally, 46 distributed generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, with 369 MW unavailable, plus another 120 MW due to a lack of lubricant, totaling 489 MW non-operational.
During peak hours, an influx of 160 MW is expected from certain distributed generation engines that are currently not operational due to a lack of fuel.
In the midst of this crisis, the production from the 31 new photovoltaic solar parks reached 2,594 MWh, with a maximum output of 466 MW delivered during peak hours, a contribution that is insufficient to meet the country's total demand.
The situation in Havana was also critical.
The Electric Company reported that the service was disrupted for 24 hours, although it was partially restored at 6:36 AM this Sunday.
The maximum impact in the capital reached 258 MW at 9:30 PM, and all six distribution blocks were compromised, preventing the fulfillment of the planned operations.
The company reminded that the restoration of service is entirely dependent on the demands of the SEN, which reflects the structural vulnerability of the Cuban electrical system.
These blackouts are added to a series of problems that have been affecting the country for months, including aging plants, insufficient maintenance, and a growing dependence on distributed generation and solar sources, which have yet to fully offset the thermal deficits.
The UNE's forecast indicates that, without changes in generation conditions, power outages will continue to affect the population throughout this Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions about Massive Blackouts in Cuba
What is the main cause of the massive blackouts in Cuba?
The main cause of the widespread blackouts in Cuba is the deficit in electric generation capacity due to the unexpected shutdown of several thermoelectric units, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of fuel and lubricants. This deficit has been exacerbated by the obsolescence of the energy infrastructure and a deteriorated electrical network.
What is the impact of power outages on the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages have a significant impact on the daily lives of Cubans, affecting the quality of life by disrupting water supply, transportation, and the proper storage of food and medications. The population faces long hours without electricity, leading to frustration and social unrest.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has attempted to improve the energy situation by incorporating distributed generation engines and the construction of photovoltaic solar parks. However, these measures have not been sufficient to offset the structural deficit of the electrical system, which continues to rely on an unreliable thermal generation and faces serious logistical issues.
What is the future of energy in Cuba if the current problems are not resolved?
If the current issues are not resolved, the future of energy in Cuba is at risk of more frequent and prolonged blackouts. The lack of investment in modern and sustainable infrastructure, combined with the existing deterioration, could lead to an even greater crisis, affecting all aspects of life on the island.
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