Unexpected Power Outages Hit Cuba as Energas Boca de Jaruco Shutdown Worsens Energy Crisis

Cuba's energy crisis continues to spiral, with recent developments only adding to the growing instability. An unforeseen shutdown of units at Energas Boca de Jaruco resulted in a significant increase in the predicted power outages, jumping from an anticipated 1,530 MW to a peak of 1,717 MW. This surge occurred at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The Unión Eléctrica (UNE), which initially did not acknowledge the Mayabeque event on their social media, later confirmed that the disruption exceeded planned levels due to the unexpected shutdown of units at Energas Boca de Jaruco. This incident was attributed to a failure in their output lines.

Current Status of the National Energy System

As of 7:00 a.m., the National Energy System (SEN) had a capacity of 1,690 MW, while demand reached 2,920 MW, leading to a 1,252 MW shortfall due to capacity deficits. By midday, the UNE projected that the shortfall would reach a staggering 1,300 MW.

Currently, eight thermoelectric units are out of service: five due to malfunctions and three undergoing maintenance. Units affected by breakdowns include Unit 6 of CTE Mariel, Unit 3 of CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 3 of CTE Cienfuegos, Unit 2 of CTE Felton, and Unit 6 of CTE Renté. Meanwhile, maintenance impacts Unit 2 of CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 4 of CTE Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of CTE Renté.

Thermal limitations have sidelined 345 MW, compounded by chronic fuel shortages. Within the distributed generation sector, 49 plants are offline, affecting 364 MW, with an additional 115 MW impacted by oil shortages in engine generation. In total, these issues contribute to a 479 MW shortfall.

Forecast for Peak Hours

For the peak period, UNE expects the reactivation of Unit 6 at CTE Mariel, contributing 100 MW, and the reentry of Unit 1 at Boca de Jaruco, with a combined cycle completion adding 50 MW. This would bring peak availability to 1,840 MW against a maximum demand of 3,450 MW, resulting in a 1,610 MW deficit. If conditions persist, an impact of 1,680 MW is anticipated during peak hours. However, the actual outcome remains to be seen.

Deepening Energy Crisis

In recent hours, Cuba's national electricity landscape has faced severe challenges following a malfunction at Energas, which, following additional complications, ultimately led to the shutdown of the Boca de Jaruco plant, exacerbating nationwide outages.

Journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso initially reported on Facebook, "The unexpected shutdown of the Energas Boca de Jaruco unit triggered automatic circuit failures across the country. The causes of this shutdown are under investigation."

Two hours later, a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) provided further details: "A fault in one of Energas's output lines and the subsequent trip of the other two lines caused the Boca de Jaruco plant to go offline, increasing the impact. Four gas turbines are now operational, with a fifth turbine and a steam turbine expected to come online gradually."

In Havana, where residents are less accustomed to the relentless nightly blackouts experienced in other provinces for years, there were reports of protests involving banging pots and pans in areas like El Vedado and Alamar.