This Friday, Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) announced one of the year's most severe blackouts, forecasting a shortfall of up to 1,870 megawatts (MW) during peak hours. This deficit amounts to more than half of the national demand, leaving millions of Cubans enduring day-long power outages. On the previous day, the peak disruption reached 1,691 MW at 10:00 pm and continued into the early hours of today.
According to the state enterprise's official report, the National Electric System (SEN) had a mere 1,390 MW available at 7:00 am, whereas the demand was around 2,800 MW. This discrepancy resulted in a real impact of 1,440 MW due to capacity shortages. By noon, it's expected that this deficit will rise to 1,450 MW. The nighttime peak forecast is even more alarming, with a projected shortfall of 1,870 MW, as only 1,700 MW will be available against a demand of 3,570 MW.
A System on the Brink of Collapse
The report outlines a series of malfunctions across the country's thermal plants. Five units are out of order at the Mariel, Nuevitas, Felton, and Renté power stations. Additionally, maintenance work is underway on three blocks at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté CTEs. Thermal limitations have taken 365 MW offline. Moreover, the persistent fuel shortages have incapacitated 98 distributed generation plants (573 MW), 110 MW at Mariel's fuel station, and 36 MW due to a lack of oil for engines, totaling 719 MW out of the system for this reason.
Scheduled Blackouts in Havana
Havana's Electric Company has announced service interruptions in the capital following this schedule:
- From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm: Block #4 will be affected.
- From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm: Block #5 will experience outages.
- Block #2 will face interruptions from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
- Block #3 will be impacted from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
- From 8:00 pm to 12:00 am: Block #1 will see disruptions.
Solar Energy's Limited Impact
Even with the addition of 18 new solar photovoltaic parks, their contribution remains minimal compared to the scale of the problem. On Thursday, they generated a total of 1,220 MWh, with a peak power of 287 MW recorded at noon.
A Grim Outlook
During peak hours, the UNE anticipates input from several smaller sources: Energás Varadero's unit 3 (30 MW), Mariel's fuel (110 MW), Nuevitas unit 5 (55 MW), and Moa's fuel (115 MW). Despite these efforts, the gap between generation and demand will remain critical.
Should UNE's forecast of a 1,870 MW deficit materialize, this Friday will mark the third-highest shortfall in recent years. The most severe, at 1,901 MW, was recorded on April 23, setting an all-time record. The second, at 1,880 MW, occurred just last Saturday. Meanwhile, the Cuban populace continues to suffer through prolonged blackouts, unable to cook, refrigerate food, or simply endure the stifling summer heat.
The situation worsens with no clear explanation from the government on when and how they plan to stabilize the SEN. The only certainty is that Cuba's energy crisis shows no signs of abating, with each new UNE report heralding another period of darkness.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy shortfall in Cuba?
The energy shortfall in Cuba is caused by a combination of technical malfunctions in thermal plants, ongoing maintenance, thermal limitations, and chronic fuel shortages.
How are solar panels contributing to Cuba's energy needs?
While 18 new solar photovoltaic parks have been added, their overall contribution remains small, generating only 1,220 MWh with a peak power of 287 MW.
What measures are being taken to address the power outages in Havana?
Scheduled blackouts have been announced, affecting different blocks in Havana at specific times throughout the day and evening.