The National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba is bracing for a severe situation this Friday, with widespread blackouts anticipated nationwide. The Electric Union (UNE) reports that during peak hours, there will be an available capacity of 1,877 MW against an estimated demand of 3,650 MW, leading to a shortfall of 1,773 MW and potential disruptions of up to 1,843 MW. In the morning, the availability stood at 1,850 MW against a demand of 3,226 MW, resulting in 1,424 MW being impacted. By noon, the forecasted impact was 1,350 MW.
Several factors contribute to this crisis: the shutdown of units at various power plants including the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant, Unit 4 of Energas Varadero, Unit 6 of the Renté Power Plant, and Unit 2 of the Felton Power Plant. Additionally, units under maintenance include Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Power Plant, Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Power Plant in Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of the Renté Power Plant. Furthermore, 322 MW are out of service due to thermal limitations, and another 693 MW are compromised due to fuel shortages, affecting 80 distributed generation plants and the Regla floating unit.
Challenges at the Antonio Guiteras Plant
The situation is exacerbated by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas, with synchronization efforts still uncertain despite intensive restoration work. The Guiteras plant, the country's largest single-unit block, has been plagued by persistent breakdowns for weeks. Authorities acknowledge that even if synchronization is achieved, the plant will not operate under optimal conditions.
Impact on Havana
In Havana, the provincial Electric Company disclosed that the capital experienced blackouts from 8 PM Thursday to 7 AM Friday, with maximum disruptions reaching 103 MW. A schedule for Friday and early Saturday has been released, indicating rotating outages throughout most of the day.
Public Discontent and Criticism
As Cuba grapples with power cuts exceeding twenty hours in certain areas, public anger is mounting, especially on social media platforms. Even official channels have begun to question the management. Matanzas-based journalist José Miguel Solís reported experiencing a 22-hour power outage and called for fairness in the distribution of blackouts. He noted that during the Special Period, despite lengthy interruptions, schedules were adhered to. Solís criticized the extreme inequity and lack of oversight, pointing out that some non-priority circuits enjoy more than ten hours of service, while others endure up to 36 hours without electricity.
This energy crisis coincides with one of the hottest summers in recent decades and an outdated electric infrastructure, where each blackout results in spoiled food, lack of potable water, and a severe decline in quality of life. According to official estimates, the energy deficit is not expected to be resolved shortly.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the power deficit in Cuba?
The power deficit is mainly caused by the shutdown of several power plant units, maintenance activities, thermal limitations, and fuel shortages affecting distributed generation plants.
How are the blackouts impacting daily life in Cuba?
The blackouts lead to food spoilage, lack of potable water, and a significant decline in the quality of life, especially during one of the hottest summers in recent memory.
What measures are being taken to resolve the crisis?
Efforts are underway to restore synchronization at the Antonio Guiteras plant and manage maintenance activities, but an immediate resolution is not expected due to the extensive nature of the issues.