Cuba woke up this Saturday facing a critical energy scenario, following a day marked by massive blackouts and deficits in generation in the National Electric System (SEN), around 1,900 megawatts (MW).
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) reported that together with the Electric Union (UNE) and the Cuba-Petroleum Union (CUPET), emergency actions are being implemented to address the complex situation facing the system, following a combination of technical failures, low fuel availability, and breakdowns in several thermal power plants.
In an interview broadcast by national television, Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged that the impacts in recent hours were greater than anticipated, due to a series of unforeseen events that put the SEN "on the verge of collapse".
According to the explanation, three power generation plants simultaneously went offline, resulting in an instantaneous loss of over 270 MW, while the country was already operating with low overall availability.
We were at risk of the system crashing again. Immediate and strict action was taken to maintain stability, but it was a very tense night,” said the head of MINEM this Friday, detailing that the failure occurred around 10:30 PM and affected the recovery of the scheduled blocks set to receive electrical service.
Lack of fuel and prolonged disruptions
De la O Levy acknowledged that the crisis worsened due to the fuel depletion that had been distributed since the previous week, which halted more than 600 MW of distributed generation. This deficit impacted not only the electric system but also the supply at service stations, bus terminals, and other sectors of the economy.
The minister assured that a new shipment of fuel has been located and began distribution this Tuesday in Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba, which would allow for some temporary recovery in the coming days. However, he warned that the available amount is limited
The fuel will not last for the entire month of October; we have enough for just a few days, and during that time we must find a solution that ensures continuity,” he stated.
Thermal power plants without stability
The head of MINEM also detailed that none of the units at the Renté Thermal Power Plant are currently available due to the failure of a transformer common to blocks 5 and 6.
At CTE Diez de Octubre in Nuevitas, issues were also reported in the external water conduction systems, which partially kept the plant out of service.
These incidents, along with the maintenance work in Santa Cruz del Norte and Cienfuegos, have significantly reduced the national thermal capacity, amidst logistical constraints and low operational reserves, the minister indicated, skimming over the long list of breakdowns, maintenance issues, fires, fatal accidents, and other misfortunes that daily affect the SEN.
Adjustments to the blackout schedule
De la O Levy explained that a more precise rotation scheme has been designed for Havana, featuring alternating four-hour interruption blocks starting at 10:00 in the morning.
The objective, he said, is to adhere strictly to the schedule, as the failure to meet the planned times has caused "frustration" among the population.
"The blackout is frustrating, but if the rotation is adhered to and people know when the power goes out and when it returns, the discomfort is lessened," stated De la O Levy, referring to the increasing complaints of recent days.
Fragile scenario
Despite the efforts, the minister acknowledged that the SEN remains "very weak" and that the system operates on a precarious balance.
The lack of fuel, ongoing breakdowns, and the aging of thermoelectric plants suggest that disruptions will continue over the coming days, even with the new fuel in circulation.
Cuba thus begins October immersed in a prolonged electricity crisis, lacking sufficient reserves to stabilize generation, and facing growing social unrest due to blackouts that continue to exceed 20 hours in various areas of the country.
Filed under: