A massive malfunction in Havana's electrical grids led to fresh power supply disruptions on Tuesday afternoon, causing several key generating units to suddenly go offline, as reported by the Union Electrica (UNE) through its official channels.
The incident took place around 1:32 PM, impacting several strategic points in the national electrical system.
UNE confirmed that Unit 8 of the Maximo Gomez Thermoelectric Plant in Mariel, the backup engines at Mariel, the floating power plant in Regla, and a machine at the Energas Boca de Jaruco plant in Mayabeque were taken out of service.
Hours later, the state company expanded on the details of the incident that occurred at 1:32 PM in Havana, clarifying that the failure in the 110 kV networks resulted in a total impact of 215 MW in the capital and surrounding areas.
According to the company led by Alfredo Valdes Lopez, technical teams are working to restore service, and some of the generation has already begun reintegrating into the national electrical system.
The state-run enterprise stated that the units at the Maximo Gomez Thermoelectric Plant and Energas Boca de Jaruco are currently in the startup process, while efforts continue to recover the rest of the affected generating sources.
This new failure arises amidst Cuba's most severe energy crisis in recent months, with the National Electric System (SEN) experiencing 16 consecutive days of deficits exceeding 1,800 MW.
Just the day before, the country suffered a maximum impact of 2,007 MW at 6:40 PM, leaving more than half of the national territory without electricity for several hours.
In Havana and the western region of the country, power outages have become frequent and extended, affecting homes as well as productive sectors, hospitals, and essential service centers.
Tuesday's malfunction could worsen the situation during the peak evening hours, when UNE already anticipated a deficit of over 1,900 MW, even without this new event.
So far, the company has not provided details on the exact cause of the failure. Meanwhile, Cubans face another day of heat, darkness, and frustration, with an electrical system hanging by a thread, sustained by patches and prayers amid growing precariousness.
Understanding Havana's Power Crisis
What caused the power outage in Havana?
The outage was triggered by a significant malfunction in Havana's electrical grids, which led to the sudden shutdown of several key generating units.
How has the power crisis affected Cuba recently?
Cuba has been undergoing a severe energy crisis, with persistent power deficits affecting over half of the country and causing frequent and prolonged outages.
What measures are being taken to restore power?
Technical teams are working on reintegrating some generating units into the national electrical system, with several plants already in the startup process.