The power generation shortfall in Cuba reached 1,760 MW during peak hours on Saturday, and the situation could see a similar deficit of 1,685 MW this Sunday, according to the daily report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE).
Electricity service was disrupted throughout the entire previous day and continued to face interruptions into the early hours.
The most significant shortfall in generation capacity occurred at 6:30 PM, when there was a 1,760 MW deficit to meet demand.
By 6:00 AM on Sunday, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was 1,495 MW against a demand of 2,010 MW, resulting in a 547 MW deficit.
The forecast for midday suggested a larger deficit, with power outages possibly reaching 850 MW.
Key issues include malfunctions in five thermal power units: units 5 and 8 at the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant (CTE), unit 6 at the Nuevitas CTE, unit 2 at the Felton CTE, and unit 3 at the Antonio Maceo CTE in Santiago de Cuba.
Additionally, maintenance is underway on unit 2 of the Santa Cruz del Norte CTE and unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes CTE in Cienfuegos.
Thermal generation constraints have left 537 MW out of service. Nonetheless, the most significant impact arises from distributed generation issues due to a lack of fuel and lubricants: 96 plants are offline, representing 884 MW, with an additional 153 MW unavailable due to lubricant shortages, totaling 1,037 MW affected by this issue.
The UNE reported that the 34 new solar photovoltaic parks contributed 3,207 MWh during the day, achieving a peak output of 617 MW at midday—a partial relief that does not address the system's structural deficiencies.
The report initially mentioned incorporating unit 8 of the Máximo Gómez CTE (Mariel), adding 50 MW for peak evening hours, but UNE later confirmed it was already online.
With this addition, the estimated availability would be 1,545 MW against a maximum demand of 3,200 MW, leaving a deficit of 1,655 MW and a possible impact of up to 1,685 MW.
In Havana, the Electric Company announced via its Facebook profile that the service was disrupted from 4:58 AM on Saturday, with a maximum outage of 215 MW at 6:30 PM.
The disruption was restored by 9:35 PM, and according to the company, there were no blackouts or deficits during the night, though future outages would depend on the overall SEN situation.
Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuelan crude for both domestic consumption and to fuel its thermal power plants. Although this dependency has lessened with new suppliers like Mexico, the recent apprehension of Nicolás Maduro and the announcement that no more oil or funds would come from Caracas pose a sudden interruption to one of the island's critical energy lifelines.
This decision, announced by the Donald Trump administration, exacerbates a crisis already marked by fuel shortages, extended blackouts, and a lack of foreign exchange to purchase crude on the international market.
Added to this are the deteriorating power grid and the aging of power plants.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily due to deficits in electricity generation, exacerbated by malfunctions in thermal power plants, maintenance work, and shortages of fuel and lubricants.
How significant is the role of Venezuelan crude in Cuba's energy supply?
Venezuelan crude has been crucial for Cuba's energy supply, both for domestic consumption and to power its thermal plants. Recent geopolitical changes have threatened this supply chain, further destabilizing Cuba's energy sector.