The Cuban regime has openly admitted that the dire state of the National Electric System (SEN) prevents them from adhering to the planned schedule for power outage rotations in Santiago de Cuba. According to an announcement from the province's electrical company, a significant energy deficit exceeding 1,970 megawatts (MW) is expected during Saturday's peak hours, which will necessitate increased disruptions in electricity supply.
In light of this predicament, officials have advised the public to stay "informed" via "official channels," even though millions will lack electricity to access radio, television, or social media. This energy shortfall highlights the ongoing crisis within the SEN, directly affecting the quality and reliability of electrical services in the region. The announcement has sparked anger among Santiago residents, who are voicing their frustration over frequent blackouts.
"The deficit is high, but please keep us informed. Leaving us without guidance makes it impossible to plan our lives. They turn it on and off like an unpleasant surprise. How long will these lies continue? They promised improvements over the summer, yet things have worsened. What's the point of ExpoCaribe? It only brings more misery, need, and energy consumption," expressed one Cuban woman angrily.
Another resident added, "This complex situation is the result of years of neglect. It's appalling how they can claim they can't fulfill a schedule that offers just three hours of electricity a day to many circuits, while others are prioritized."
The official report from the Electric Union (UNE) indicates that today's peak hour generation deficit will reach 1,977 MW, surpassing the previous record of 1,901 MW set last April. This figure equates to more than half of the country being without power during peak demand, highlighting a new low in the technical collapse of the SEN, which increasingly fails to meet even the basic needs of the population.
The technical update paints a grim picture: units 5 and 6 of the CTE Mariel, unit 6 of the CTE Nuevitas, and unit 2 of the CTE Felton remain non-operational due to breakdowns. Additionally, maintenance is ongoing for units 2 of CTE Santa Cruz, 4 of Cienfuegos, and 5 of Renté. Thermal limitations are affecting 383 MW, and a lack of fuel has idled 73 distributed generation plants (618 MW), along with another 61 MW due to issues with the Regla barge and oil shortages.
Despite having 18 solar photovoltaic parks, their contribution remains minimal: only 1,520 MWh generated yesterday and a peak of 303 MW, insufficient to fill the gap left by the thermal collapse and scarcity of fossil fuels.
Understanding Cuba's Electric Crisis
Why can't the Cuban government maintain the power outage schedule?
The Cuban government is unable to maintain the power outage schedule due to a severe energy deficit in the National Electric System (SEN), exacerbated by operational failures and maintenance issues in critical power plants.
How does the energy deficit affect Santiago de Cuba?
The energy deficit leads to increased power outages, disrupting daily life and leaving residents without electricity for extended periods, which impacts their ability to stay informed and manage their routines.
What are the main causes of the power shortages in Cuba?
The power shortages are primarily caused by breakdowns in major power plants, maintenance backlogs, thermal limitations, and fuel shortages, which have left many generation units non-operational.