The National Electric System (SEN) of Cuba announced power outages this Thursday with a forecasted shortfall exceeding 700 MW.
Yesterday, service disruptions were recorded due to a generation capacity deficit, starting at 4:14 PM and extending until 2:55 AM this Thursday. The most significant outage occurred during peak hours, reaching 485 MW at 9:40 PM, coinciding with the highest energy demand of the day.
As of 7:00 AM this Thursday, the availability of electric generation was 2,450 MW, while the demand was 2,400 MW. However, a 150 MW shortfall is expected around midday due to generation limitations.
Ongoing Issues with Thermoelectric Units
The unit 5 of the Rente Thermoelectric Plant (CTE) and unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant (CTE) are out of service due to malfunctions. Additionally, thermal generation limitations amount to 586 MW.
Moreover, 43 distributed generation plants are offline due to fuel shortages, affecting a total of 280 MW.
The forecast for peak hours tonight estimates an availability of 2,450 MW and a maximum demand of 3,100 MW, resulting in a 650 MW deficit. If current conditions persist, an impact of up to 720 MW in the electricity supply is expected during this period.
This situation highlights the challenges the country faces in the energy sector, with continuous disruptions due to insufficient generation capacity and unstable fuel supplies.
Understanding Cuba's Power Outage Crisis
To provide more insights into the ongoing power issues in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why are there frequent power outages in Cuba?
Frequent power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a deficit in generation capacity and inconsistent fuel supplies.
How do malfunctioning thermoelectric units impact power availability?
Malfunctioning thermoelectric units significantly reduce the overall generation capacity, leading to shortages and outages.
What is the forecast for power availability in the coming days?
The forecast indicates a continued shortfall, especially during peak hours, with potential impacts up to 720 MW.