The Felton Thermoelectric Plant, a critical component of Cuba's electricity production, has been taken offline and is expected to remain non-operational for at least 20 days, further exacerbating the country's already dire energy situation. The announcement was made on Facebook by state journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, who noted that Unit 1 suffered a transformer malfunction, necessitating extensive repairs along with cleaning work on the boiler and condenser.
This development comes at an inopportune time. According to reports from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), the National Electric Service (SEN) experienced service interruptions throughout Friday and into the early hours of today. The peak shortfall in generation capacity occurred at 8:20 p.m., reaching 1,861 MW, surpassing planned deficits due to the non-operation of Unit 3 at the Santa Cruz plant.
Extended Power Outages
On Saturday morning, the available capacity was merely 1,405 MW, while demand soared to 2,860 MW, resulting in an immediate deficit of 1,420 MW. By midday, the shortfall was expected to climb to 1,350 MW. During peak hours, the projections are even more grim, with a deficit of 1,835 MW and anticipated outages reaching 1,905 MW.
The direct consequence has been power outages lasting up to 20 continuous hours in several regions. In Havana, where the government attempts to obscure the crisis with supposed block schedules, power cuts occur unpredictably, leaving thousands of families without electricity day and night. The Electric Company of the capital admitted on Facebook that it has been "impossible to adhere to the scheduled outage times due to the deficit," with power cuts extending far beyond what was announced.
A System in Ruins
The situation is pushing the population to its limits, already grappling with food shortages, transportation issues, deteriorating water supplies, and a collapsed healthcare system. Electricity, which should be a basic service, has become an intermittent luxury.
UNE's official report highlights the extent of the disaster: six thermoelectric units are down across the Santa Cruz, Nuevitas, Felton, and Renté plants. Additionally, three more blocks in Santa Cruz and Cienfuegos are undergoing maintenance. Due to a lack of fuel, 40 distributed generation plants with a capacity of 197 MW remain shut down. Furthermore, 450 MW are unavailable due to a shortage of lubricants. This list reveals a structural collapse that goes beyond a single malfunction, showcasing an outdated, mismanaged system plagued by the regime's disinvestment and entrenched corruption.
Solar Energy: An Insufficient Patch
The government is trying to tout the integration of 28 new solar photovoltaic parks, which produced 2,380 MWh and provided a maximum of 494 MW during midday. However, this output barely compensates for a fraction of the overall deficit and falls woefully short of ensuring a stable supply.
Meanwhile, Cubans continue to live in the shadows, forced to cook in the dark, sleep without fans in the stifling tropical heat, and lose food due to lack of refrigeration. Each prolonged outage delivers another blow to an already devastated family economy.
Rather than offering structural solutions, the government issues technical notes and bureaucratic excuses, failing to take responsibility for decades of neglect of the electrical system. With the Felton plant's shutdown, one of the last strongholds of thermal generation, Cuba enters a new phase of energy agony, where the only thing growing is the despair of its people.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the Felton plant to shut down?
The Felton plant was shut down due to a malfunction in its transformer, which requires extensive repairs and cleaning work on the boiler and condenser.
How is the current energy deficit affecting Cuba?
The energy deficit has led to power outages lasting up to 20 hours in some areas, severely disrupting daily life and exacerbating issues like food spoilage and lack of essential services.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The government has introduced 28 new solar photovoltaic parks; however, this measure falls short of addressing the overall energy deficit and ensuring a stable electricity supply.