This Monday, Cuba woke up to a dire electrical situation as the official report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) revealed a generation shortfall exceeding 1,900 megawatts (MW). The report warned of widespread disruptions throughout the day.
Later in the morning, additional failures in two critical thermoelectric plants further aggravated the state of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN).
According to UNE's official updates, at 8:09 a.m., Unit 5 of the Máximo Gómez Thermoelectric Plant in Mariel went offline due to a leak in the boiler.
Just minutes after, at 8:27 a.m., the company reported that Unit 3 of the Ernesto Guevara de la Serna Thermoelectric Plant in Santa Cruz del Norte was shut down due to a jammed CAR B, a malfunction in the reheated air control system.
These recent breakdowns add to the units already halted for maintenance or other failures at plants like Antonio Guiteras, Felton, and Diez de Octubre, which continue to restrict the national electricity supply.
With the system teetering on the edge of saturation, each additional outage leads to more scheduled blackouts and unscheduled power cuts.
The early morning UNE report indicated a mere availability of 1,433 MW against a demand of 2,337 MW, resulting in an initial impact of 904 MW. The forecast suggested this could reach up to 1,997 MW during peak evening hours.
With the new outages at Mariel and Santa Cruz, the deficit might exceed 2,000 MW, a situation nearing the collapse of the SEN.
On social media, numerous users expressed their frustration, describing the situation as “a Christmas in the dark,” while others criticized the lack of official transparency regarding the real causes of the failures.
“There’s no fuel, no maintenance, and no shame,” wrote one user, capturing the widespread discontent.
The UNE claimed that they are working “around the clock” to restore the affected units, although they did not provide specific timelines. Meanwhile, Cubans brace for another day of extended blackouts on the cusp of the holiday season, with an energy system that appears increasingly fragile.
CiberCuba will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
Key Concerns About Cuba's Power Crisis
What caused the recent power outages in Cuba?
The recent power outages in Cuba were caused by failures in two thermoelectric units, coupled with ongoing maintenance and other failures at additional plants.
How severe is the current power deficit in Cuba?
The power deficit in Cuba is severe, with a shortfall potentially exceeding 2,000 MW, which brings the system close to a collapse.
What is the public's reaction to the power crisis in Cuba?
The public has expressed frustration and anger, with many criticizing the government's lack of transparency and preparedness.