The Cuban government has issued a stern warning to major electricity consumers in Santiago de Cuba, holding them accountable for potential widespread blackouts if they fail to reduce their energy demand during peak hours. According to the state-run newspaper Sierra Maestra, the island is currently grappling with a severe crisis in its National Electric System (SEN), marked by significant electricity generation shortfalls.
In this challenging scenario, the behavior of high-demand consumers has become a critical factor in preventing the collapse of the power grid. Santiago de Cuba's main municipality is home to the highest number of clients requiring more than 500 kilowatts, with a concerning total of 4,238 users. These are followed, albeit at a considerable distance, by the municipalities of Contramaestre, San Luis, and Mella, which have over 500, 400, and 300 consumers in that category, respectively.
Concerns Over "Uninterruptible Circuits"
Authorities have voiced particular concern over the fact that many of these large consumers are connected to "uninterruptible circuits" or prioritized lines that typically do not experience power cuts. The official source highlighted that these clients might be exploiting this status to unnecessarily increase their consumption during peak demand hours, thereby imposing additional strain on the already fragile national system.
In response, the government has urged both the public and institutions to refrain from using air conditioning units and unnecessary lighting during peak consumption times, which generally occur in the afternoons and evenings. State entities are also instructed to limit their lighting to essential security needs and disconnect all equipment outside of business hours to cut down on superfluous expenses.
Provincial Leadership Speaks Out
Additionally, a campaign led by local authorities and mass organizations has been deployed to raise awareness. Visits and meetings with residential and institutional consumers are being conducted to emphasize the severity of the energy crisis and promote rational energy use. The provincial governor, Manuel Falcón Hernández, acknowledged that electricity generation is "one of the main issues facing the country" and stated that mitigating the impacts requires collective cooperation.
"As we save energy and follow guidelines, the disruptions can be reduced," he affirmed. The warning makes it clear that without immediate and effective action from major consumers, Santiago de Cuba could face even more severe and unexpected blackouts in the coming days.
Current Status of Cuba's National Electric System
Meanwhile, Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) remains in a critical state, with an energy deficit nearing 1,700 MW as reported by the National Electric Union (UNE) in its official update. The service was disrupted throughout Wednesday and into the early hours of today, with the maximum impact reaching 1,684 MW at 10:00 pm, although this peak did not align with the highest demand period.
As of 7:00 am on Thursday, the total availability of the SEN stood at 1,880 MW against a demand of 2,980 MW, leaving a shortfall of 1,172 MW at that time. The midday forecast anticipates an impact close to 1,150 MW.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing an energy crisis due to significant shortfalls in electricity generation, exacerbated by the behavior of high-demand consumers and the reliance on uninterruptible circuits.
How is the Cuban government addressing the electricity demand?
The government has initiated a campaign to raise awareness about energy usage, urging both public and private sectors to reduce unnecessary consumption during peak hours.
What are uninterruptible circuits in the context of Cuba's power grid?
Uninterruptible circuits refer to prioritized power lines that typically do not experience outages, often used by high-demand consumers in Cuba.