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The reconnection of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) has not resulted in any real improvement for Cubans. Just a day after authorities announced that the country was interconnected from Pinar del Río to Santiago de Cuba, blackouts continue to affect the entire national territory on a large scale.
On Sunday, the Electric Union (UNE) reported that the National Electric System (SEN) had been reconnected after a general outage that occurred on Saturday, marking the second total disconnection of the system within the same week. However, the organization itself acknowledged that the generation deficit persisted, indicating that power outages would continue.
This Monday, the situation confirms that forecast. According to official data shared by the Electric Union in its latest update of the SEN, the system is in the process of being restored, but with a capacity that is significantly lower than the national demand.
High deficit and unstable system
At 6:00 AM, the system's availability was 1123 MW against a demand of 2070 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 950 MW. By noon, a shortfall of up to 1100 MW was anticipated.
During the peak nighttime hours, the situation is even more critical. With a projected availability of 1223 MW and a demand of 3050 MW, the deficit would reach 1827 MW, with an estimated impact of 1857 MW.
Authorities attribute this situation to multiple breakdowns in key thermoelectric power plants, including units in Mariel, Santa Cruz, Felton, and Antonio Maceo, as well as scheduled maintenance in other facilities. Additionally, there are limitations in thermal generation that have taken more than 500 MW offline.
Havana also suffers from prolonged power outages
In the capital, according to the Electric Company of Havana on its official channels, the service was interrupted for 24 consecutive hours in several areas. Although it was partially restored in the early morning, authorities warned that disruptions due to energy contingencies continue, with no defined schedules.
On social media, numerous citizens have expressed frustration over the lack of real improvements following the reconnection of the system. Many assert that the blackouts continue with the same intensity, while others question the effectiveness of the official announcements.
The persistence of power outages, even after the national interconnection has been restored, underscores the severity of the energy crisis in Cuba, characterized by the obsolescence of thermal power plants, a lack of fuel, and frequent breakdowns.
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