The ongoing fuel shortage in Cuba, coupled with demand exceeding forecasts, resulted in power outages totaling 708 MW on Monday, nearly double the initially estimated 390 MW.
According to a report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) on Tuesday, service disruptions began at 9:09 am on Monday and continued into the early hours of today. The maximum impact was recorded at 708 MW at 9:00 pm, coinciding with peak hours. The UNE detailed on Facebook that this was "greater than planned due to higher-than-expected demand, the non-arrival of the Santiago de Cuba barge, and a lack of fuel at the Mariel barge and the Mariel fuel plant."
As of 7:00 am on Tuesday, the national electric system's (SEN) availability was 2380 MW, with a demand of 2420 MW, leading to an impact of 91 MW due to insufficient generation capacity. By midday, the deficit forecast had increased to 300 MW.
During peak hours, availability is estimated to be 2588 MW, with a maximum demand of 3100 MW, resulting in a deficit of 512 MW and an impact of 582 MW. Given recent trends, it's likely that this figure will increase.
Currently, three units of the Santa Cruz, Rente, and Felton thermoelectric plants are out of service due to breakdowns, with another block at the Santa Cruz plant undergoing maintenance. Thermal generation limitations account for 460 MW, and 45 distributed generation plants are inactive due to fuel shortages, representing an additional 315 MW affected.
Cuba's Power Crisis: Causes and Impacts
The following questions and answers provide further insight into the ongoing power crisis in Cuba, shedding light on the root causes and potential solutions.
What are the main reasons for the power outages in Cuba?
The primary reasons for the power outages are a severe fuel shortage, higher-than-expected demand, and the non-arrival of crucial fuel shipments. Additionally, several thermoelectric plants are out of service due to breakdowns and maintenance.
How much power was lost on Monday due to the outages?
Cuba experienced a total power loss of 708 MW on Monday, almost double the initially estimated 390 MW.
What is the forecast for power availability and demand in the coming days?
For peak hours, the availability is estimated to be 2588 MW, with a maximum demand of 3100 MW, resulting in a deficit of 512 MW. This trend is likely to continue, potentially increasing the impact.