The Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) announced on Monday a power shortfall of over 800 MW during peak hours, citing a deficit in generation capacity due to unit breakdowns and insufficient fuel availability.
On its Facebook page, the company reported that the maximum estimated demand would be 3200 MW, whereas availability would reach only 2450 MW, resulting in a deficit of 750 MW. "If the predicted conditions persist, an 820 MW shortfall is expected during peak hours," the statement read.
As of 7:00 AM, the National Electric System (SEN) had a capacity of 2250 MW compared to a demand of 2555 MW, already causing a 375 MW shortfall.
Breakdowns and Fuel Shortages
Breakdowns in several crucial units, including unit 8 of CTE Mariel, unit 5 of CTE Rente, unit 1 of CTE Santa Cruz, and unit 2 of CTE Felton, as well as thermal generation limitations totaling 496 MW out of service, exacerbate the situation.
Additionally, 52 distributed generation plants and the Regla barge are out of service due to fuel shortages, affecting another 390 MW.
Despite anticipated reactivations of some units for peak hours, such as unit 1 of CTE Santa Cruz (80 MW), the Regla barge (45 MW), and unit 1 of CTE Felton (70 MW), the shortfall will remain significant.
During the previous day, the electrical service was disrupted for 24 hours, with a peak shortfall of 859 MW at 11:00 PM, exceeding planned outages due to higher-than-expected demand, the report added.
Power outages in Cuba have been a recurring issue for decades, primarily due to a lack of investment and maintenance in the country's electrical infrastructure, as well as reliance on imported fuels for energy generation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Power Outages
Given the ongoing power shortages in Cuba, many questions arise regarding the causes and possible solutions. Here we address some of the most common inquiries.
Why are there frequent power outages in Cuba?
Frequent power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a lack of investment and maintenance in the electrical infrastructure, as well as a dependence on imported fuels for energy generation.
What is the current capacity of the National Electric System (SEN)?
As of the latest update, the National Electric System (SEN) has a capacity of 2250 MW, which is insufficient to meet the demand of 2555 MW, leading to power shortfalls.
Which units are currently out of service due to breakdowns?
Units currently out of service include unit 8 of CTE Mariel, unit 5 of CTE Rente, unit 1 of CTE Santa Cruz, and unit 2 of CTE Felton, among others.
What measures is the UNE taking to alleviate the power shortfall?
The UNE is attempting to reactivate some units for peak hours, including unit 1 of CTE Santa Cruz, the Regla barge, and unit 1 of CTE Felton, although the shortfall will still be significant.