The ongoing electricity supply crisis in Cuba is worsening, resulting in power outages that are taking a toll on a population already burdened by energy poverty, a consequence of the systemic issues caused by the Cuban regime. On Saturday, the official report by the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) shared on social media indicated a maximum deficit of 1,500 megawatts (MW) at 9:50 p.m. the previous night. This coincided with the peak demand period and exceeded earlier projections.
This figure marks an increase from the prior day, which saw a shortfall of 1,531 MW at 9:20 p.m. Currently, the National Electric System (SEN) has an availability of 1,949 MW against a demand of 2,895 MW, leading to an impact of 946 MW. The forecast for peak hours anticipates an availability of 2,010 MW while the demand is expected to rise to 3,450 MW, resulting in a projected deficit of 1,440 MW and an estimated impact of 1,510 MW.
The crisis stems from several factors, including the shutdown of unit 5 at the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant, breakdowns at other facilities, simultaneous maintenance activities, and fuel shortages affecting distributed generation. Furthermore, the country's 16 solar photovoltaic parks contributed only 1,463 MWh, with a maximum output of 387 MW during midday, which is insufficient to meet the escalating national demand.
The situation has remained dire throughout the week. On June 1, UNE forecasted impacts of up to 1,590 MW during peak hours. On June 2, a malfunction at the Energas plant in Boca de Jaruco exacerbated the situation, causing an impact of 1,717 MW. By June 4, it was reported that the SEN would face a generation deficit that could leave a third of the country without electricity during peak times, with an estimated impact of up to 1,290 MW.
Despite promises to reduce the deficit, the reality has been quite the opposite, with prolonged blackouts and an increasingly fragile electrical infrastructure. Cuban citizens continue to endure power outages lasting over 20 hours in some areas, severely affecting food preservation, water access, the operation of hospitals and schools, and the physical and mental health of millions.
The absence of sustainable solutions and the rising energy demand during the summer months are exacerbating the crisis further.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of the power outage crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily caused by the shutdown of critical power units, equipment failures, simultaneous maintenance, and fuel shortages affecting distributed generation, in addition to insufficient contributions from solar parks.
How is the power outage crisis affecting the Cuban population?
The power outages are severely impacting food preservation, water access, and the operation of hospitals and schools. They also have a significant negative effect on the physical and mental health of millions of citizens.
Are there any signs of improvement in Cuba's energy situation?
Despite promises to reduce the deficit, the situation continues to deteriorate with ongoing prolonged blackouts and an increasingly fragile electrical infrastructure.