This Monday, Cuba is dealing with yet another round of widespread power outages following a grueling night of darkness.
The Electric Union (UNE) issued a stark warning on July 20, forecasting a severe shortage of 2,110 MW during peak evening hours. With just 1,120 MW available and a projected maximum demand of 3,200 MW, the situation looks dire.
Sunday offered no respite, as power was disrupted throughout the entire day and night. The most significant shortfall occurred at 10:10 p.m., with a massive 2,117 MW deficit affecting every province across the island.
By 6 a.m. on Monday, the crisis was already clear, with only 1,120 MW available against a demand of 2,682 MW, leaving 1,570 MW in shortfall. By noon, the UNE anticipated a 1,450 MW deficit, which was expected to rise to 2,110 MW by nightfall.
The state-run company acknowledged that if conditions persist, the network will only be able to meet 35% of the country's needs during peak demand hours, predicting a shortfall of 2,110 MW.
Power Plant Challenges and Ongoing Maintenance
Three thermal power plant units remain out of service: Unit 6 at the Máximo Gómez Power Plant in Mariel, Unit 2 at the Lidio Ramón Pérez Plant in Felton, and Unit 3 at the Antonio Maceo Plant in Renté.
Additionally, maintenance is underway on several units: Unit 3 at the Ernesto Guevara De La Serna Plant in Santa Cruz, Units 5 and 6 at the Antonio Maceo Plant in Renté, and Unit 5 at the Diez de Octubre Plant in Nuevitas.
Fuel Shortages Exacerbate the Crisis
Adding to the grim scenario is a fuel shortage, which has halted operations at 106 distributed generation centers. This also includes the Regla and Melones power barges, as well as the Mariel and Moa fuel plants.
The sole flicker of relief comes from 54 solar photovoltaic parks, which produced 4,571 MWh on Sunday with a peak output of 775 MW. However, this capacity vanishes after sunset, precisely when energy demands peak.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Shortage Crisis
What is causing the power shortages in Cuba?
The power shortages in Cuba are primarily due to equipment failures at several thermal power plants, ongoing maintenance work, and a critical fuel shortage affecting distributed generation centers.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The Cuban government is attempting to manage the crisis by maintaining and repairing power plant units and leveraging solar energy, but these efforts are insufficient to meet the island's energy demands.