The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba is experiencing an unprecedented crisis, leaving millions of Cubans enduring prolonged power outages that often exceed 20 hours a day. The situation reached a critical point on Wednesday, a day marked by a complete power shutdown lasting 24 hours and extending into the early hours of Thursday.
The Electric Union reported a peak shortage at 8:40 pm, with a deficit of 1,906 MW, significantly surpassing the planned 1,870 MW. This shortfall was due to the unavailability of Unit 3 at the CTE Rente and the unexpected shutdown of Unit 6 at Energás Jaruco. As the morning began, the SEN's available capacity was merely 1,640 MW against a demand of 2,800 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,190 MW and prolonging outages across numerous provinces.
The daily average did not bring any relief, with an estimated shortfall of 1,150 MW, highlighting the system's inability to maintain even a minimal stable supply. The causes of this energy catastrophe are numerous and reflect the government's inefficient and negligent management. Breakdowns in key units, like Unit 2 at CTE Felton, Units 3 and 5 at CTE Rente, and Unit 5 at Mariel, add to the scheduled maintenance that leaves several plants offline, such as blocks 1 and 2 at CTE Santa Cruz and block 4 at CTE Carlos Manuel de Cespedes in Cienfuegos. Additionally, thermal limitations keep 387 MW out of operation.
The scarcity of fuel and lubricants further exacerbates the crisis: 68 distributed generation plants, potentially contributing 478 MW, remain inoperative, while another 160 MW are offline due to a lack of lubricants, totaling 638 MW affected solely by these deficiencies. The consequence is apparent: an electric system on the brink of collapse, subjecting the population to unpredictable blackouts.
The forecast for peak demand hours is not promising. Although some units from CTE Rente are expected to contribute 50 MW each, the projected maximum demand is 3,480 MW, while availability will only reach 1,740 MW, implying an estimated deficit of 1,810 MW during peak times. In other words, the critical situation will persist with widespread outages and no immediate solutions in sight.
Despite the contribution of 32 new photovoltaic solar parks, which provided 3,188 MWh throughout the day with a peak of 565 MW, this addition is insufficient to offset the decline in thermal generation and meet the country's demand. In Havana, for instance, the power service was interrupted for the entire 24 hours on Wednesday, with a peak impact of 341 MW at 8:50 pm, affecting all six supply blocks of the capital and failing to meet the official schedule.
Cuba's energy crisis, as reflected in these figures, reveals an irresponsible and ineffective management by the authorities, unable to ensure basic supply for the population. The lack of maintenance, poor planning, and reliance on outdated and limited equipment keep the Island engulfed in darkness, with prolonged blackouts affecting daily life, the economy, and essential services. Wednesday stood as a testament to the precarious state of the SEN, with no significant improvements in sight for the coming days. While the population bears the brunt, the government continues to offer no clear answers or urgent measures to reverse this now chronic situation.
Understanding Cuba's Electricity Crisis
What is causing the prolonged power outages in Cuba?
The prolonged power outages in Cuba are caused by a combination of factors including breakdowns in key power units, scheduled maintenance leaving several plants offline, thermal limitations, and shortages of fuel and lubricants.
How are the power outages affecting daily life in Cuba?
The power outages severely disrupt daily life in Cuba by impacting essential services, the economy, and the general quality of life. Residents face unpredictable blackouts that can last over 20 hours a day, affecting their ability to perform basic tasks.
What measures are being taken to address the electricity crisis in Cuba?
While some units are expected to be brought online to provide limited relief, there are no immediate solutions in place to fully address the crisis. The government has yet to provide clear answers or urgent measures to reverse the situation.