The Cuban electrical grid teeters on the brink of collapse, experiencing continuous disruptions over the past 24 hours and exceeding a 2,000 megawatt (MW) deficit during peak hours on Sunday, as reported by the Electric Union (UNE) this Monday.
Monday’s official report substantiates that electricity service was disrupted throughout the previous day, with the peak shortfall reaching 2,005 MW at 6:20 p.m.—a figure higher than anticipated due to unexpectedly high demand and the shutdown of units 3 and 6 at the Rente Thermoelectric Plant in Santiago de Cuba.
By 6 a.m. on Monday, national power availability stood at a mere 1,223 MW, against a demand of 2,220 MW, leaving over 1,000 MW unmet.
The UNE projects a peak-time availability of 1,293 MW against an estimated maximum demand of 3,250 MW, potentially leading to a national shortfall of 1,987 MW unless system conditions improve.
Major disruptions include breakdowns at the thermoelectric plants in Mariel, Nuevitas, Felton, Antonio Maceo, and Céspedes, with an additional 450 MW out of service due to thermal limitations. The ongoing fuel shortage exacerbates the situation.
In Havana, the Provincial Electric Company reported that the capital experienced outages starting at 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, with a peak impact of 383 MW at 6:20 p.m., which could not be restored due to the system deficit.
As of the report’s conclusion, six blocks remained without power, affecting a total of 171 MW.
The company cautioned that if the National Electric System's availability does not improve, it will be impossible to adhere to the scheduled programming, potentially triggering emergency blackouts across various circuits.
Despite the contribution of 649 MW at peak from the 49 installed solar photovoltaic parks, their impact remains insufficient given the scale of the collapse.
With outdated thermal plants and scarce fuel, Cuba is facing its worst electricity crisis since the 1990s this January, experiencing blackouts of up to 14 hours daily in several provinces.
Understanding Cuba's Electricity Crisis
What is causing the electricity deficit in Cuba?
The electricity deficit in Cuba is primarily caused by outdated thermal plants, breakdowns at key facilities, and a severe shortage of fuel, which are compounded by unexpectedly high demand.
How is Havana affected by the power shortages?
Havana has been significantly impacted, experiencing outages beginning at 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, with a peak shortfall of 383 MW that could not be restored due to the overall system deficit.
What measures are in place to address the power crisis in Cuba?
Currently, the measures in place include attempting to improve availability and manage demand, although the ongoing fuel shortage and outdated infrastructure limit the effectiveness of these efforts.