The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has reported significant disruptions in the power supply during Thursday and early Friday due to a generation capacity deficit, which is expected to exceed 1,200 MW today. The most critical moment on September 26 was recorded at 8:10 PM, coinciding with peak hours, when the interruption reached a deficit of 922 MW.
The UNE attributes the worsening situation of the National Electro-Energetic System (SEN) to adverse weather conditions, which added another 103 MW of impact across various western provinces. Breakdowns caused by Hurricane Helene were distributed as follows: Pinar del Río with 11 MW, Artemisa with 20 MW, Havana with 27 MW, Mayabeque with 12 MW, Cienfuegos with 19 MW, and Sancti Spíritus with 14 MW.
Outlook for the Coming Hours
This morning, the SEN had an availability of 1,960 MW, while demand rose to 2,510 MW, resulting in a capacity deficit of 556 MW, in addition to 48 MW due to distribution network failures in central-western provinces. By mid-morning, the UNE estimates that the impact will reach 750 MW due to this deficit.
Several generating units are out of service, including Unit 2 of the Felton Thermal Power Plant (CTE), Units 5 and 6 of the Renté CTE, and Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz CTE which is under maintenance. Additionally, thermal generation limitations amount to 494 MW.
The issue is further compounded by the shutdown of 46 distributed generation plants due to fuel shortages, affecting significant engines and barges in Santiago de Cuba and Mariel. A total of 521 MW are out of service, with 335 MW from distributed groups and 186 MW from fuel barges and engines.
Peak Hours Outlook for September 27
During this afternoon's peak hours, the UNE expects Unit 1 of Energas Varadero to come online with 30 MW and the completion of Unit 4 of the same plant with an additional 15 MW. However, only 2,005 MW of availability is anticipated against a maximum demand of 3,150 MW, creating a deficit of 1,145 MW, with a projected impact of up to 1,215 MW.
The UNE has pointed to Hurricane Helene's adverse weather as a key reason for the generation shortfall, as it has prevented fuel ships from unloading at the Mariel Port. The power generation deficit is severely affecting Cubans, worsening their quality of life and exacerbating the country's economic crisis. These energy problems have no immediate solution, heightening concerns about the potential increase in blackouts in the coming days.