On Saturday morning, Cuba found itself engulfed in a severe energy crisis following a day of widespread blackouts and significant power generation deficits in the National Electric System (SEN), amounting to approximately 1,900 megawatts (MW). The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), along with the Electric Union (UNE) and the Cuba-Petroleum Union (CUPET), has initiated emergency measures to tackle the challenging situation caused by a mix of technical failures, fuel shortages, and breakdowns in multiple thermal power plants.
During a national television broadcast, Minister Vicente de la O Levy acknowledged that the recent disruptions were more severe than anticipated due to unexpected events that pushed the SEN "to the brink of collapse." He explained that three power generation plants simultaneously went offline, resulting in an instantaneous loss of over 270 MW, compounding the already low overall availability.
Fuel Shortages and Extended Disruptions
The crisis worsened as the fuel supply distributed the previous week was depleted, leading to a halt in over 600 MW of distributed generation. This shortfall affected not only the electrical system but also fuel supplies at service stations, bus terminals, and other economic sectors. The minister assured that a new fuel shipment was located and began distribution on Tuesday in Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba, potentially offering some temporary relief in the coming days. However, he warned that the supply is limited: "We don't have enough fuel for all of October; we only have enough for a few days, during which we must find a solution to ensure continuity," he stated.
Unstable Thermal Power Plants
The MINEM head also reported that none of the units at the Renté Thermal Power Plant are currently operational due to a transformer failure affecting blocks 5 and 6. The Diez de Octubre plant in Nuevitas faced issues with external water supply systems, partially rendering the facility out of service. These problems, coupled with ongoing maintenance in Santa Cruz del Norte and Cienfuegos, have significantly reduced national thermal capacity amid logistical constraints and low operational reserves.
Adjustments to Blackout Scheduling
De la O Levy outlined a more precise rotation scheme for Havana, featuring four-hour alternating power outages starting at 10:00 a.m. The aim, he stated, is to adhere strictly to the schedule, as the failure to meet planned times has caused "frustration" among the populace. "While blackouts are inconvenient, if the rotation is followed and people know when the power is going out and coming back, the discomfort is lessened," De la O Levy noted, referencing the growing complaints in recent days.
A Fragile Scenario
Despite ongoing efforts, the minister conceded that the SEN remains "very weak," operating under a precarious balance. Fuel shortages, persistent breakdowns, and aging thermal power plants suggest that disruptions will likely continue over the coming days, even with new fuel supplies. As October begins, Cuba is mired in a prolonged electrical crisis, lacking sufficient reserves to stabilize generation and facing mounting public discontent over blackouts lasting more than 20 hours in several areas of the country.
FAQs on Cuba's Current Energy Crisis
What caused the recent increase in power outages in Cuba?
The surge in power outages in Cuba was primarily due to technical failures, fuel shortages, and breakdowns in several thermal power plants.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The Cuban government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mines, is implementing emergency actions alongside the Electric Union and the Cuba-Petroleum Union to manage the situation.
What are the implications of the fuel shortage in Cuba?
The fuel shortage has led to a halt in over 600 MW of distributed generation, affecting the electrical system and fuel supplies at service stations, bus terminals, and other sectors.