The latest report from Unión Eléctrica (UNE) in Cuba provides an update on recent blackouts and forecasts the impact for this Tuesday. The report indicates a reduction in interruptions compared to previous days, with an estimated 462 MW expected to be affected this Wednesday.
This past Monday, service disruptions due to capacity deficits began at 10:06 a.m. and were restored by 1:59 a.m. today. The maximum impact for the day was 664 MW at 8:40 p.m., a time UNE described as "non-peak hours." Today's capacity generation deficit began affecting service at 6:15 a.m.
The National Electric System (SEN) had a capacity of 2,320 MW and a demand of 2,300 MW at 7:00 a.m., with 65 MW affected due to generation capacity shortages. The forecast for daytime blackouts on June 4 is 400 MW.
Despite the significant reduction in both day and night blackout forecasts compared to recent days, five units across five different thermal power plants remain out of service. However, UNE believes a couple of these units might be back online today. The units affected include unit 5 at CTE Mariel, unit 3 at CTE Santa Cruz, unit 5 at CTE Nuevitas, unit 2 at CTE Felton, and unit 5 at CTE Renté.
In terms of maintenance, the situation is less complex, with only unit 1 at CTE Santa Cruz undergoing maintenance. Thermal generation limitations account for 397 MW. Additionally, 55 distributed generation plants are out of service due to fuel shortages, affecting a total of 360 MW.
During peak hours, it is expected that motors from the distributed generation currently offline due to fuel will be brought online, adding 100 MW. Unit 5 at CTE Mariel (in the startup process with 64 MW), unit 3 at CTE Santa Cruz (adding 77 MW), and the Regla barge (adding 47 MW) are also expected to come online. This forecast estimates an available capacity of 2,608 MW during peak hours, with a maximum demand of 3,000 MW, resulting in a 392 MW deficit. Therefore, if conditions persist, a 462 MW impact is expected during peak hours.
In conclusion, Cuba will experience blackouts affecting 15% of its territory during peak consumption hours this Tuesday due to thermal power plant failures and fuel shortages, according to the state company's report. Despite the reduction in planned blackouts compared to the previous day, the deficit remains high, as reflected in comments from many internet users who no longer trust the forecasts provided by Unión Eléctrica.
Impact of Power Outages in Cuba
The ongoing power outages in Cuba raise several questions among citizens and observers. Here are some key questions and answers to provide more context.
Why are there power outages in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are primarily due to failures in thermal power plants and fuel shortages affecting both centralized and distributed generation systems.
Which power plants are currently out of service?
Units from CTE Mariel, CTE Santa Cruz, CTE Nuevitas, CTE Felton, and CTE Renté are currently out of service due to various issues.
What is the expected impact of these power outages?
The expected impact includes blackouts affecting 15% of Cuba's territory during peak consumption hours, with a significant generation capacity deficit.