The Electric Company of Santiago de Cuba has described the energy situation in the province as "complex," following reports of a significant power generation shortfall. This shortfall is preventing adherence to the planned schedule and necessitating longer power outages than originally anticipated. "Today it's impossible to meet the planned schedule, resulting in significant disruptions," the state-run company announced on Facebook.
According to reports from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) on social media, the power service was disrupted throughout Friday and into the early hours of Saturday. The most severe impact occurred at 8:20 p.m., with a shortfall of 1,861 MW, coinciding with peak demand hours, exacerbated by the malfunction of unit 3 at the CTE Santa Cruz power plant.
The crisis worsened with the shutdown of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant in Holguín, a key component of Cuba's power generation. Official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported that unit 1 experienced a transformer failure, necessitating at least 20 days of repairs, including boiler and condenser cleaning.
Nationwide Power Struggles
The statistics paint an even bleaker picture. On Saturday morning, the nation had only 1,405 MW available against a demand of 2,860 MW, resulting in an immediate deficit of 1,420 MW. By midday, the shortfall was projected at 1,350 MW, and during the evening peak, a deficit of up to 1,835 MW was expected, with potential interruptions reaching 1,905 MW.
Endless Crisis
Power outages have lasted over 20 hours in several regions. In Havana, where the government attempts to downplay the crisis with supposed block plans, outages occur without warning, leaving thousands of families without power day and night. This situation pushes the population to the brink, as they already struggle with food shortages, lack of transportation, deteriorating water quality, and a collapsed healthcare system.
Currently, six thermoelectric units are out of service at the CTEs Santa Cruz, Nuevitas, Felton, and Renté. Additionally, three more blocks at the CTEs Santa Cruz and Cienfuegos are undergoing maintenance. Due to a lack of fuel, 40 distributed generation plants, totaling 197 MW, remain idle, along with 450 MW unavailable due to a shortage of lubricants.
FAQs About Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power shortages in Santiago de Cuba?
The power shortages in Santiago de Cuba are primarily due to a significant shortfall in power generation, exacerbated by the malfunctioning of key power plant units and a lack of available fuel and lubricants.
How severe are the power outages in Havana?
In Havana, power outages have been lasting over 20 hours in some areas, occurring without warning and affecting thousands of families.
What is the impact of the power crisis on daily life in Cuba?
The power crisis has greatly impacted daily life, contributing to existing issues like food shortages, inadequate transportation, poor water quality, and a collapsing healthcare system.