On Tuesday, the Electric Company of Sancti Spíritus issued a warning about unauthorized private businesses connecting to prioritized circuits in the province. These actions are being blamed for overloading transformers and causing faults in a network that is already operating near its capacity limits.
According to a report from state-run Radio Sancti Spíritus, Odeibi Valdés Alba, the company's technical director, pointed out that self-employed workers who do not declare their activities are increasing energy demand in areas meant for specific residential loads, accelerating the wear and tear on distribution equipment.
"The electric service you are receiving is meant for your home, a residential service. If our inspectors or workers find you violating this, we will report you and cut off your electricity. In Sancti Spíritus, we have found undeclared self-employed activities that have burned out transformers," warned Valdés Alba.
Provincial Challenges Extend Beyond the Capital
The issue is not confined to the provincial capital. Valdés Alba noted, "Just like in Cabaiguán, we have also identified undeclared services affecting transformers. We have taken necessary actions and corrections in these cases."
Measures have included fines, disconnection of electricity service for violators, and direct consultations with those involved.
Prioritized Circuits Under Pressure
Prioritized circuits are parts of the grid that receive more frequent power supply as they serve essential services such as hospitals, food industries, oil wells, and water pumping systems. The unauthorized connection of private businesses to these circuits represents both an electrical and fiscal violation.
However, for many, it is also a means of survival, as they rely on their businesses for income.
Valdés Alba emphasized the critical nature of the situation, urging everyone to protect the existing transformers: "We must safeguard the transformers in the network because it is extremely difficult for the country to replace them. Despite our excellent personnel in the province, it is objectively challenging for us to replace all damaged transformers."
Transformer Shortage: A Nationwide Crisis
The backdrop of this issue is a severe shortage of transformers across Cuba, a critical structural problem. The Electric Union acknowledged on June 7 that there are no spare parts available nationwide, with only three repair workshops located in Havana, Villa Clara, and Manzanillo.
In Holguín, 25 transformers were reported damaged against only six replacements received; in Guantánamo, eight units were out of service with no replacements available.
The situation in Sancti Spíritus is particularly dire. Entire neighborhoods have been without electricity for 15 to 20 consecutive days in June. The provincial electric company has attributed the collapse of 19 kV transformers to load spikes generated when reconnecting equipment after prolonged outages.
The phenomenon of illegal connections to prioritized circuits was also observed in Guantánamo in June, where residents attempted to access electricity by tapping into these network segments.
Understanding the Power Grid Issues in Cuba
What are prioritized circuits?
Prioritized circuits are sections of the power grid that receive more frequent electricity supply because they support essential services like hospitals and food industries.
Why are unauthorized businesses connecting to prioritized circuits?
Unauthorized businesses connect to prioritized circuits to take advantage of the more stable and frequent power supply, which helps them sustain their operations.
What impact do these connections have on the power grid?
These connections overload transformers and lead to equipment failures, exacerbating an already strained electricity network.