This Sunday, Cuba is bracing for yet another day of extensive power outages across the island. The latest update from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reveals a critical shortfall in electricity generation, nearing 2,000 megawatts (MW), leaving the National Electrical System (SEN) on the brink of collapse.
According to the official statement, electricity services were disrupted for the entire day on Saturday, with the peak shortfall hitting 2,091 MW at 6:10 PM.
The report indicates that as of 6:00 AM this Sunday, the total available capacity of the SEN is 1,298 MW, compared to a demand of 2,487 MW. This results in a deficit of 1,206 MW due to insufficient generation capacity.
Despite the addition of 33 new solar photovoltaic parks, which produced 2,941 megawatt-hours (MWh) with a maximum output of 546 MW, renewable energy generation remains insufficient to offset the decline in thermal generation and the ongoing fuel shortages.
The nation's main thermoelectric plants continue to report breakdowns and extended maintenance: Cienfuegos's Unit 3, Diez de Octubre's Unit 6, Felton's Unit 2, and Renté's Unit 5 are out of service. Meanwhile, Santa Cruz's Units 2 and 3 and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes's Unit 4 in Cienfuegos are under maintenance.
The UNE report also acknowledges limitations in thermal generation affecting 551 MW, alongside fuel and lubricant shortages that have halted 100 distributed generation units (902 MW), five fuel engines in Moa (68 MW), and an additional 83 MW unavailable due to lubricant shortages.
In total, 1,053 MW remain offline because of fuel deficiencies, one of the most critical factors in the electricity crisis.
For peak hours, anticipated in the evening, the UNE forecasts the return of Renté's Unit 5 with a mere 60 MW, bringing the total availability to 1,358 MW against a peak demand of 3,300 MW. This would leave an estimated shortfall of 1,942 MW, affecting up to 2,012 MW, which equates to more than 60% of the nation without power.
The Cuban regime continues to fall short of offering structural solutions to a crisis that worsens daily, leaving millions of Cubans enduring blackouts, heat, and shortages, as the country remains engulfed in darkness.
Understanding the Cuban Power Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a significant shortfall in electricity generation capacity, exacerbated by breakdowns in thermoelectric plants and shortages of fuel and lubricants.
How much power is Cuba currently lacking?
Cuba is currently facing a deficit of approximately 2,000 MW, with up to 60% of the country without electricity during peak demand times.
Are renewable energy sources helping to alleviate the crisis?
While Cuba has added new solar photovoltaic parks, the renewable energy produced is still insufficient to compensate for the loss of thermal generation and fuel shortages.