The Cuban Electric Company (UNE) has announced that a slight reduction in the national power deficit is expected for Friday, July 18. Nevertheless, power outages will continue to be widespread and significant across the island. According to the official report released this morning, at 7:00 am, the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) had just 1,775 megawatts (MW) available, compared to a demand of 3,070 MW.
This resulted in an immediate shortfall of 1,341 MW, which might decrease to 1,250 MW by midday, but is likely to increase again during peak hours. The UNE projects that by nightfall, demand will rise to 3,580 MW, with only 2,055 MW available, resulting in a shortfall of 1,525 MW and an anticipated impact of up to 1,595 MW.
Despite being lower than the peak on Thursday—when an impact of 1,947 MW was recorded at 8:20 pm—the situation remains dire. That day's forecast even predicted a record impact of 2,065 MW, which did not materialize but highlighted the severity of the crisis.
Challenges in Power Generation
The SEN is currently operating with several thermoelectric units out of service. Units such as the Energas Varadero's unit 4, and three from the CTE Felton, Nuevitas, and Renté, are experiencing breakdowns. Additionally, four blocks from CTE Santa Cruz, Guiteras, Cienfuegos, and Renté are undergoing maintenance.
Furthermore, 86 distributed generation plants and eight engines on the Regla barge are stalled due to fuel shortages, adding 730 MW to the national deficit. Limitations in thermal generation account for 254 MW. During peak hours, it is estimated that the CTE Nuevitas unit 5 will contribute 60 MW, CTE Rente unit 3 will add 50 MW, and CTE Guiteras will provide 170 MW (currently in the process of load completion).
Insufficient Solar Contribution
Although UNE reported that the 21 new solar photovoltaic parks contributed 397 MW at their midday peak yesterday, solar generation still falls short of meeting the increasing demand and offsetting the serious deficiencies of the thermal system. Cuba's energy situation remains in a chronic state of emergency, exacerbated by years of mismanagement, inadequate investment, and an outdated infrastructure.
Meanwhile, citizens continue to endure prolonged blackouts amid the summer heat, with extreme temperatures and no assurance of improvement in the near future.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a significant shortfall in electricity generation capacity compared to demand, compounded by breakdowns in thermoelectric units, maintenance work, and fuel shortages.
How is the Cuban Electric Company addressing the energy deficit?
The UNE is attempting to mitigate the energy deficit by bringing certain units back online during peak hours and enhancing solar power contributions, though these measures have been insufficient to meet demand.