The Electric Company in Havana announced Tuesday afternoon that due to a severe generation shortfall in the National Electric System (SEN), electricity service in the capital will face longer interruptions than initially planned. Residents in Block #4 will experience outages from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm as part of emergency measures addressing the crisis.
This three-hour blackout adds to the previously scheduled interruptions from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, totaling five hours without power. The state-run company urges citizens to use electricity prudently and avoid overloading the system, which could potentially decrease the frequency of outages, according to their statement.
Worsening Energy Crisis
The announcement comes amidst a challenging scenario for electric generation in Cuba, worsened by several thermoelectric plants going offline. This Tuesday, the scheduled shutdown of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Plant in Cienfuegos further exacerbated the energy deficit, which had already reached 1,400 MW, nearly half of the island's demand.
The disconnection, occurring Monday night, is part of planned maintenance in its Block 4, as stated by the UNE. Authorities emphasize the importance of the public staying informed through official channels about the progress of these repairs and any additional outages that may occur.
Promises and Reality
Despite assurances from President Miguel Díaz-Canel to improve the situation by year's end, the ground reality suggests these may be empty promises, much like the pledges for "fewer blackouts in the summer." Even the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de La O Levy, has acknowledged that the outages could extend until 2025 as the government seeks long-term solutions through purchasing fuel and parts for outdated generation plants, along with the installation of new solar parks.
Nevertheless, Cubans continue to endure prolonged interruptions due to the critical state of the SEN, aggravated by recurring failures of the thermoelectric plants and a lack of resources for their maintenance.