The vulnerability of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) was once again exposed on Wednesday, January 7th, as the nation grappled with power outages that disrupted electricity service for nearly the entire day.
According to a statement released by the Union Electrica (UNE) on Facebook, the highest impact from the generation capacity shortfall occurred at 6:20 PM on Tuesday, with 1710 MW out of operation.
UNE reported that service was partially restored at 1:54 AM, but disruptions resumed at 4:54 AM. By 6:30 AM, the SEN's total availability was merely 1550 MW, while demand reached 2040 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 520 MW.
A midday impact is projected to be around 750 MW. Significant issues included malfunctions in four units at the CTE Mariel, Nuevitas, Felton, and the CTE Antonio Maceo. Additionally, maintenance work is underway on two blocks of the CTE Santa Cruz and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos.
Thermal generation limitations rendered 560 MW out of service, and fuel shortages remain a critical issue. UNE noted that 100 distributed generation plants were affected, accounting for 877 MW, with an additional 150 MW unavailable due to a lack of lubricant, bringing the total MW affected by these issues to 1027.
For peak hours, the demand is anticipated to reach 3200 MW, with availability at only 1550 MW, leading to a shortfall of 1650 MW and an estimated impact of 1680 MW.
Despite the output from 34 new solar photovoltaic parks reaching 3062 MWh, with a peak power supply of 649 MW, this remains insufficient to mitigate the chronic power generation crisis.
The Havana Electric Company also reported interruptions lasting 7 hours and 46 minutes, peaking at 196 MW at 6:20 PM. Service was restored by 8:41 PM. "Due to low generation availability, the informed schedule could not be met," the company clarified. "No service was affected overnight. As of the close of this report, there is no impact due to the deficit," it added.
This situation underscores the Cuban government's inability to ensure a stable and reliable power supply, despite repeated claims of supposed improvements in the SEN.
Meanwhile, millions of households and businesses continue to endure prolonged blackouts that disrupt daily life and the nation's economy.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Electrical Crisis
What are the primary causes of power outages in Cuba?
The main causes include a deficit in generation capacity, technical malfunctions, maintenance issues, and critical fuel shortages.
How does the shortage of fuel affect Cuba's power generation?
Fuel shortages lead to the inability to operate distributed generation plants, resulting in significant power deficits and contributing to widespread outages.
What impact do power outages have on Cuba's economy?
Prolonged blackouts disrupt both household and business operations, negatively impacting productivity and the overall economy.