On Wednesday, Cuba is once again grappling with widespread power outages due to a severe electricity shortage, hitting the country hard during the peak summer season. The National Electric System (SEN) reported a morning availability of 1,730 MW against a demand of 3,120 MW, resulting in a current shortfall of 1,414 MW, according to the Electric Union (UNE).
Dismal Forecast for the Day
The situation is expected to deteriorate further in the coming hours. By midday, authorities predict a shortfall of 1,300 MW, and during peak evening hours, the deficit could rise to 1,840 MW, leading to blackouts affecting as much as 1,910 MW across the nation.
Havana Faces Scheduled Outages
In the capital, the Electric Company noted that the maximum disruption on Tuesday was 117 MW, which was restored by 1:53 a.m. today. For this day, the plan includes staggered outages in different blocks from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Thursday, depending on the demands of the SEN.
Root Causes of the Collapse
The system is struggling with severe breakdowns in critical units, including the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas, as well as Energas Varadero, CTE Renté, and Felton. Other facilities like Santa Cruz and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes are under maintenance. Additionally, 305 MW are offline due to thermal limitations, coupled with a fuel shortage impacting 94 distributed generation plants, leaving 835 MW out of service.
The Guiteras: A Symbol of Decline
The situation worsens with the unexpected shutdown of the Guiteras, the country’s largest generating unit, which suffered a boiler breakdown on Tuesday and will remain out of the SEN for at least 96 hours. Since its inauguration in 1989, the plant has gone over 35 years without major maintenance, leading to frequent malfunctions. In July alone, it has encountered three serious outages, highlighting the system's structural collapse.
Rising Public Discontent
The escalation of blackouts has sparked widespread outrage on social media. Cubans across the country are voicing frustrations over food spoilage, water scarcity, and extreme heat affecting children and the elderly. “They should resign and hand over the country; anyone else could do a better job,” one user commented, while others reported areas experiencing over 36 hours without power. In provinces like Matanzas and Cienfuegos, blackouts exceed 16 to 20 hours daily, as reflected in reports of increased public discontent following the latest breakdown.
Understanding Cuba's Electricity Crisis
What is causing the severe electricity shortage in Cuba?
Cuba's electricity shortage is primarily due to severe breakdowns in key power plants, maintenance issues, and a lack of fuel. The Antonio Guiteras plant, among others, has been out of service, exacerbating the crisis.
How are Cubans reacting to the ongoing power outages?
Cubans are expressing frustration and anger on social media, complaining about spoiled food, lack of water, and extreme heat, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.