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Cuba is facing one of its most critical days in terms of energy, with a deficit nearing 2,000 megawatts (MW) and widespread blackouts across the country.
The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reported that this Tuesday, the National Electric System (SEN) continues to be affected by a lack of generation capacity, a situation that persisted for 24 hours on Monday and continued into this morning.
The highest impact recorded on Monday was 1,947 MW at 7:20 PM, a figure that, although slightly lower than the more than 2,000 MW forecasted, illustrates the magnitude of the energy collapse.
At 6:00 AM today, the availability of the SEN was only 1,155 MW against a demand of 2,220 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,072 MW. By noon, an impact of 1,100 MW was projected.
Behind these figures lies a system weakened by years of neglect in investment and structural maintenance.
According to the official report, six generation units were out of service due to malfunctions: one at the Mariel thermoelectric plant, another in Santa Cruz, one in Felton, and three at the Antonio Maceo power station.
In addition, three more blocks are out of service due to scheduled maintenance in Mariel, Nuevitas, and the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant in Cienfuegos.
In addition, the limitations in thermal generation keep 379 MW out of service.
During peak hours, the entry of unit 3 of the Rente power plant is expected, with 35 MW.
However, even with that addition, the estimated availability would be 1,190 MW compared to a projected maximum demand of 3,150 MW.
This would imply a deficit of 1,960 MW and a projected impact of 1,990 MW if the anticipated conditions persist, meaning that nearly two-thirds of the national consumption would be left unbacked.
In parallel, the UNE reported that the 51 new photovoltaic solar parks produced 4,132 MWh, with a maximum output of 602 MW during peak sunlight hours.
Although this generation partially helps to alleviate the burden, it is insufficient in light of the magnitude of the system's structural deficit.
The situation in the capital is no less serious.
The Electric Company of Havana announced on Facebook that on Monday, the power service was interrupted in Havana for 18 hours and 15 minutes. The maximum impact was 360 MW at 9:00 PM.
Additionally, it was necessary to affect 60 MW due to emergencies, and according to the entity, it was not possible to restore the service due to the national deficit.
At the end of the official report, six blocks and emergency circuits were still affected, totaling 294 MW, with a forecast for restoration in the morning.
However, the impact on other blocks and circuits due to the "energy contingency" does not have a scheduled time and depends on the availability of the SEN, leaving thousands of households uncertain about when they will regain electricity.
The recurrence of breakdowns, prolonged maintenance, and thermal limitations reflects an electrical system that has reached a critical point after years of accumulated deterioration.
The constant interruptions, which in some areas exceed 18 hours a day, not only paralyze economic activity but also directly affect the daily lives of the population, which must contend with heat, water shortages, and challenges in preserving food.
Official figures indicate a growing gap between available capacity and actual demand, while the structural solution remains pending.
The deficit of nearly 2,000 MW confirms that the energy crisis is not a temporary situation, but rather the result of a system that operates at its limits and whose recovery requires more than just temporary measures.
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