After a day with reports of blackouts lasting more than 20 hours in several provinces, the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) forecasts a deficit of 1,081 MW this Thursday due to maintenance work on several thermoelectric plants (CTE) and a fuel shortage.
In the daily report published on Facebook, the entity communicated that the availability of the National Electric System at 7:00 AM was 2,089 MW, with a demand of 2,780 MW, leading to 784 MW affected by insufficient generation capacity.
Thermoelectric Plant Maintenance and Fuel Shortage
The report estimates a maximum impact of 950 MW during daytime hours. However, the outlook is bleak for the evening: "For peak hours, the availability is estimated at 2,389 MW with a maximum demand of 3,400 MW, resulting in a 1,011 MW deficit. If the forecasted conditions persist, an impact of 1,081 MW is expected during this period."
In the note, also signed by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the institutions reported that Unit 8 of CTE Mariel and Unit 2 of CTE Felton are out of service due to faults, while Unit 5 of CTE Mariel, Units 1 and 3 of CTE Santa Cruz, and Unit 1 of CTE Felton are under maintenance.
Moreover, a total of 47 distributed generation plants and the Melones barge are out of service due to fuel shortages, affecting a total of 487 MW. As a slight relief, and as the only encouraging news, they stated that for "peak hours, the entry of motors from Distributed Generation currently out due to fuel will add 80 MW, eight motors with 140 MW from the Melones barge, and Unit 8 of CTE Mariel with 80 MW (in the startup process)."
On Wednesday, the UNE communicated that service interruptions would increase in June due to maintenance work on several plants, although the regime clarified it is trying to avoid nighttime blackouts in Havana, which will occur "only in emergencies" following several protests in the capital.
"As has been reported from January to June, maintenance activities on Thermoelectric Plants, Energas, and Distributed Generation are increasing to prepare for the highest consumption and demand months, which are July and August, also the population's vacation months," explained a note posted by the entity on Facebook.
Government Admits Summer Power Uncertainty
In a YouTube broadcast under his leadership, President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted there are no guarantees that the summer months will pass without power service disruptions. He reiterated that power cuts would increase this and next month due to increased maintenance work on thermoelectric plants to try to ensure service in July and August.
All this is happening in an extremely hot month of May. This Thursday, for instance, afternoon temperatures will peak between 91 and 97 degrees Fahrenheit, higher in some inland areas, mainly in the west and center. At night, temperatures will range between 77 and 82 degrees, according to the Institute of Meteorology forecast.
Understanding the Power Outages in Cuba
Given the ongoing power issues in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help provide clarity on the situation.
Why are there frequent power outages in Cuba?
Frequent power outages in Cuba are mainly due to maintenance work on thermoelectric plants and a significant fuel shortage.
What measures are being taken to address the power deficit?
The Cuban Electric Union is working on maintenance of multiple thermoelectric plants and trying to bring back distributed generation units to mitigate the power deficit.
Will the power outages continue into the summer?
According to President Miguel Díaz-Canel, there is no guarantee that the summer months will be free from power disruptions, and outages are expected to continue due to ongoing maintenance work.