In a preemptive move as Hurricane Melissa approaches with winds exceeding 230 kilometers per hour, Eastern Cuba was disconnected from the national power grid late Tuesday afternoon. The measure was part of a series of safety protocols to mitigate the impact of the advancing storm.
The Electric Company of Santiago de Cuba announced the disconnection on their official Telegram channel, confirming the entire Oriente Sur system had been affected. The move involves the "de-energization of the transmission network" in that region to ensure safety.
According to the company's statement, electricity will be maintained only from Western Cuba to Camagüey to protect the stability of the National Electric System (SEN) during the hurricane's passage. While Jamaica still bears the brunt of the storm, its effects are now beginning to be felt in Eastern Cuba.
The company also declared the disconnection of major thermal power plants in the area, including Antonio Maceo (Rente) in Santiago de Cuba, Lidio Ramón Pérez (Felton) in Holguín, and the Moa Fuel Plant, due to their geographic vulnerability to hurricane-force winds.
"The process is conducted in a controlled manner to maintain the integrity of the National Electric System's operation in the central-eastern area," the announcement stated.
The Electric Company of Holguín also reported on Telegram that, due to Hurricane Melissa's proximity, they are reducing electrical load in the province as a safety measure after surpassing the allowable outage limit.
The statement mentioned the disconnection of units 5 and 6 of the Antonio Maceo "Renté" Thermal Power Plant as part of actions to safeguard the SEN's stability amid the cyclone's advance.
Confirmation also came from the Electric Company of Santiago de Cuba, which reported the de-energization of the Oriente Sur system and the controlled shutdown of several eastern thermal plants, including Felton and the Moa Fuel plant, to preserve SEN's integrity during the hurricane's onslaught.
This precaution leaves millions in the eastern provinces, such as Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Guantánamo, without power at a time when the country faces the initial impacts of Hurricane Melissa, classified as a major Category 4 cyclone by the National Hurricane Center's latest report.
Earlier, renowned Cuban meteorologist José Rubiera issued an urgent warning about the imminent arrival of Hurricane Melissa in Eastern Cuba, cautioning that the storm will be "destructive" and urging residents to protect their lives and those of their families against the extreme danger.
Impact and Safety Measures During Hurricane Melissa
Why was Eastern Cuba disconnected from the power grid?
Eastern Cuba was disconnected from the power grid to prevent damage and ensure safety as Hurricane Melissa approached with potentially destructive winds.
Which areas in Cuba remain with electricity during the storm?
Electricity is maintained from Western Cuba to Camagüey to protect the stability of the National Electric System as Hurricane Melissa impacts the region.
What precautions are being taken with thermal power plants?
Major thermal power plants, including Antonio Maceo, Lidio Ramón Pérez, and the Moa Fuel Plant, have been disconnected to prevent damage from the hurricane's winds.