During August 2024, Cuba faced a severe energy crisis, characterized by frequent blackouts and an inability of the system to meet the growing electrical demand. Despite government promises to improve the situation over the summer, the National Electro-Energetic System (SEN) showed consistent fragility.
Starting from the beginning of the month, significant interruptions in the power supply were recorded. On August 4th, the maximum disruption reached 480 MW during peak hours, reflecting the lack of generation capacity and fuel issues that hindered any viable solution in the midst of the energy crisis. The situation worsened on August 10th when seven thermal units went out of service, raising the disruption to 610 MW due to breakdowns in several key plants.
On August 14th, the SEN faced further complications with blackouts reaching 832 MW, attributed to unexpected turbine shutdowns at Energás, demonstrating the difficulty of stabilizing the service during the summer despite promises of improvements. Shortly after, on August 17th, the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) predicted that demand would continue to exceed generation capacity. This was confirmed when disruptions hit 833 MW, with a deficit expected to continue growing, exacerbating the situation for citizens.
The severity of the crisis became even more evident on August 22nd, when "solidarity blackouts" were implemented in Havana, reflecting a record deficit of 1,305 MW and underscoring the government's inability to manage the crisis amidst growing public frustration. On August 23rd, the shutdown of seven thermal units due to breakdowns led to an alarming 1,245 MW disruption, leaving a large part of the country without electrical service for the entire day due to failures in generating plants.
On August 26th, there seemed to be a slight improvement when the UNE reported a disruption of 529 MW due to persistent fuel shortages and maintenance issues throughout the month. However, on August 28th and 29th, the crisis worsened again with the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, causing blackouts that could reach 850 MW, highlighting the inability to resolve system failures and resulting in prolonged interruptions.
For the past three years, August has been marked by the deterioration of Cuba's electrical system, with severe blackouts affecting the daily lives of citizens. The energy crisis leaves the population in a state of growing desperation. Authorities fail to stabilize the electrical supply, fostering an unsustainable situation that, in previous years, has even led to street protests.
The promises of improvements have turned into empty words as the electrical system collapses and fuel shortages deepen social unrest. Discomfort, precariousness, and uncertainty loom over the future of millions of Cubans, whose lives are at the mercy of a crumbling system with no solution in sight.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
In light of Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide a deeper understanding of the situation.
What is causing the blackouts in Cuba?
The blackouts in Cuba are caused by a combination of insufficient generation capacity, fuel shortages, and frequent breakdowns in key thermal power plants.
How has the government responded to the energy crisis?
The government has made numerous promises to improve the situation, but these have largely remained unfulfilled as the energy system continues to deteriorate.
What impact is the energy crisis having on Cuban citizens?
The energy crisis is causing significant disruptions in daily life, leading to growing frustration and even street protests in some cases.
Is there any hope for a resolution to the energy crisis?
Currently, there appears to be no viable solution in sight, as the electrical system continues to face severe issues and fuel shortages.