The energy crisis in Cuba is worsening, leaving millions of residents enduring extended blackouts that exceed 20 hours daily in many areas of the country. On Friday, the Electric Union (UNE) reported that the service was disrupted continuously, stretching into the early hours of Saturday.
At 8:40 pm, the generation capacity shortfall reached its peak with 1,651 MW affected, highlighting the structural fragility of the National Electric System (SEN). By 6:00 am today, the actual availability of the SEN was 1,680 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,103 MW. This shortfall is expected to recur during peak consumption times, with an estimated impact of 1,660 MW. During midday, the shortfall is projected to be 980 MW.
This situation underscores a multitude of problems that keep Cubans without power, including breakdowns in three units of the Felton, Mariel, and Renté thermoelectric plants, as well as scheduled maintenance affecting three additional units at the CTE Santa Cruz and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos. Furthermore, thermal limitations have left 425 MW out of service.
Adding to these issues are problems stemming from the lack of fuel and lubricants, affecting 59 distributed generation plants with 501 MW and another 154 MW unavailable due to lubricant shortages, totaling 655 MW out of service for these reasons.
The UNE forecasts only a partial recovery in generation: an additional 80 MW from distributed fuel-based engines, 90 MW from unit 6 of the CTE Mariel starting up, and 40 MW from unit 6 of Energás Jaruco. This will barely alleviate the crisis during peak hours, when availability is estimated at 1,890 MW against a maximum demand of 3,480 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,590 MW. If conditions remain as predicted, the impact will be 1,660 MW.
Despite the addition of 31 new photovoltaic solar parks, which generated 2,715 MWh and reached a maximum power of 558 MW, their contribution remains insufficient against the rising demand.
The Cuban government's repeated inability to ensure basic electric supply is evident in this mix of outdated infrastructure, fuel scarcity, and recurring technical failures, condemning the population to endure continuous and prolonged outages that affect homes, hospitals, schools, and economic activities. The UNE's figures demonstrate that, far from effective solutions, the situation continues to deteriorate while citizens bear the brunt of the inefficiency and lack of planning within the national electric system.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to outdated infrastructure, a lack of fuel and lubricants, and recurring technical failures in the power generation system.
How long are the blackouts in Cuba?
In many regions of Cuba, blackouts can last more than 20 hours a day, severely impacting daily life and economic activities.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy shortage?
The Cuban government has incorporated 31 new photovoltaic solar parks and is attempting to recover some generation capacity, but these measures are insufficient to meet the current demand.