The Cuban government has conceded that emergency power generators in several hospitals in Santiago de Cuba have failed due to extended use, amid a severe energy crisis affecting the entire nation. This admission came from electricity department officials during a report aired on Monday via the state-run channel, TurquinoTeVe, which also outlined the anticipated power disruptions for the day.
Although authorities claim that essential services, such as hospitals and water pumping systems, are given priority, they acknowledged that the emergency generators—originally not meant for continuous operation—are systematically breaking down. "These emergency units are not designed for prolonged use and are collapsing," stated a spokesperson for the national electrical system, referring to the auxiliary generators installed in various medical centers across the province.
The operational stability of hospitals and clinics in Santiago de Cuba, and consequently the safety of patients, is at significant risk. Power failures directly affect critical services like intensive care, medication refrigeration, and water supply systems.
According to the report, Santiago de Cuba faces an estimated demand of 180 megawatts, while nationally, the energy shortages are extremely severe. As technical inspections are conducted and attempts are made to redistribute the scarce power supply, the situation remains precarious. There has been no public announcement of a specific contingency plan or any logistical reinforcements for the impacted hospitals.
Escalating Energy Crisis
By 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the National Electric System (SEN) had only 1,680 MW available to meet a demand of 3,050 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,418 MW. During midday, an even greater deficit of 1,550 MW was anticipated. Although partial contributions from Renté (50 MW), Mariel (95 MW), and engines on the Regla barge (48 MW) were expected for the evening peak, the deficit remained overwhelming: 1,788 MW, with an estimated impact of 1,858 MW.
The power outages are primarily due to five malfunctioning thermal units, three undergoing maintenance, a thermal restriction on 294 MW, and a fuel shortage that has left 63 distributed generation plants offline, as well as affecting some of the floating power barges.
The most powerful floating power plant that was operational in Cuba permanently left the Havana port on Wednesday morning. With a capacity of 240 megawatts (MW), its departure sends a stark warning: the country is left with only one operational barge as blackouts worsen and the national energy system continues to crumble.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily caused by the breakdown of power plants, fuel shortages, and limitations in the thermal capacity of existing units. This has resulted in widespread power outages across the country.
How are hospitals in Santiago de Cuba affected by the power crisis?
Hospitals in Santiago de Cuba are severely impacted as emergency generators fail, threatening the stability of critical services such as intensive care, medication refrigeration, and water supply systems, putting patients' lives at risk.
Is there a contingency plan in place for the affected hospitals?
As of now, there is no publicly disclosed contingency plan or logistical reinforcements for the hospitals affected by the power crisis in Santiago de Cuba.