The so-called "solidarity blackouts" have returned to Havana, highlighting the worsening energy crisis affecting the Cuban populace. Officials from the Electric Company announced that starting this Thursday, two-hour power cuts will commence, exposing the government's inability to manage the situation.
The Havana Electric Company informed on Facebook that the service in the capital will be disrupted due to an emergency, caused by a generation deficit in the National Electric System.
As a result of this measure, customers associated with Blocks #1 and #2 will experience power cuts between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. this Thursday, while Blocks #3 and #4 will face service interruptions from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
"We ask the population to implement energy-saving measures to reduce consumption in the province, avoid overloading the electric grids, and minimize service interruptions," the company stated in the announcement.
The blackout situation in Cuba has intensified in recent days. For this Thursday, the Union Eléctrica (UNE) of Cuba forecasts an impact during peak hours that could reach a record 1,305 MW of power outages this summer.
At 7:00 a.m. today, the National Electric System had an availability of 2,060 MW and a demand of 2,650 MW, resulting in a significant deficit of 730 MW at that time. By noon, the power outages were expected to be around 950 MW due to a generation capacity shortfall.
The UNE report reveals that two more thermoelectric units are out of service due to breakdowns compared to the previous day, raising the total to six units.
The energy crisis worsened last Tuesday with the shutdown of the Felton thermoelectric plant, exacerbating the power outages. Blackouts lasting up to 17 hours a day have increased public discontent.
In this scenario, Havana is resuming the "solidarity blackouts" that were implemented last May, reflecting the deepening of the energy crisis in Cuba.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba and the measures being implemented.
What are "solidarity blackouts"?
"Solidarity blackouts" refer to scheduled power cuts aimed at sharing the burden of the energy deficit among different regions to manage the crisis more effectively.
Why is the energy crisis in Cuba worsening?
The crisis is worsening due to several factors, including the breakdown of thermoelectric units, a significant deficit in power generation, and the government's inability to efficiently manage the energy supply.
How long are the power outages expected to last?
The power outages are scheduled to last for two hours daily in Havana, but in other regions, they can extend up to 17 hours a day depending on the severity of the crisis.