Cuba is once again grappling with a day plagued by power outages. The country is expected to face disruptions reaching up to 2,193 MW during peak demand hours as the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) continues to struggle with breakdowns, ongoing maintenance, and severe limitations in thermal power generation.
The Electric Union (UNE) reported on Sunday that power shortages persisted for 24 hours the previous day and extended into the early hours. Saturday's peak disruption hit 2,281 MW at 10:00 PM.
Escalating Crisis as Day Unfolds
Sunday's outlook started off just as dire. At 6:00 AM, the country had only 1,087 MW available against a demand of 2,768 MW, leading to a 1,725 MW shortfall. By midday, the UNE anticipated around 1,500 MW would be affected.
The situation is expected to worsen by nightfall. During peak evening consumption, the state-run company estimates available power will remain at 1,087 MW, while demand will climb to 3,250 MW. This discrepancy results in a projected shortfall of 2,163 MW and an anticipated impact of 2,193 MW.
Infrastructure Struggles and Public Outcry
According to official reports, several units remain out of service, including unit 6 of the Mariel Thermal Power Plant, unit 6 of Nuevitas, and unit 2 of Felton. Additionally, maintenance is ongoing for unit 3 of Santa Cruz, unit 5 of Nuevitas, and units 5 and 6 of Renté. Thermal generation limitations account for another 612 MW.
On Saturday, solar photovoltaic plants generated 5,406 MWh, peaking at 840 MW during high radiation hours, which proved insufficient to prevent disruptions.
The bleak forecast sparked a fresh wave of criticism directly on the UNE's social media post. "This is unprecedented in history; our lives are unbearable," lamented one commenter.
Another echoed the sentiment, declaring, "Our lives are miserable."
Many users voiced frustration over the routine nature of deficits exceeding 2,000 MW. "In the past, a 1,500 MW deficit was alarming. Now, it seems like having over 2,000 MW shortfall is the norm," wrote one user, describing the extended outages as "inhumane" and questioning "how much longer" this would continue.
"The entire country is shut down," another stated.
"It's the same old excuses every day. Aren't you tired of this? Enough already, nobody believes you. Find solutions, that's what you're there for. If you don't have any, what are you doing there?" another critic demanded.
Long-Term Challenges and Lack of Immediate Solutions
This summer has seen the crisis reach unprecedented levels. On August 5th, disruptions hit a record 2,411 MW after power generation capacity fell short for a full day.
Authorities themselves acknowledge there's no quick fix. At the end of July, Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, admitted that "the road ahead is long" to resolve the crisis, acknowledging the nation's lack of necessary fuel to stabilize the electric grid.
The minister even informed the National Assembly that some communities had been without electricity for as long as 105 consecutive days, admitting, "there is no energy to distribute."
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages are due to a combination of equipment breakdowns, ongoing maintenance, and severe limitations in thermal power generation.
How long have some communities gone without electricity?
Some communities have been without electricity for up to 105 consecutive days.
What is the government's response to the crisis?
The government admits there is no immediate solution and lacks the fuel needed to stabilize the power system.