Alarms are sounding across Cuba as the nation grapples with escalating power outages, nearing a deficit of 1,600 megawatts (MW) this Thursday. The mounting crisis has reignited public fears of a total collapse of the national electric grid.
Currently, six thermoelectric units are out of operation due to malfunctions, while an additional three are undergoing maintenance. This totals nine units offline, a troubling increase from the previous day, dimming the outlook for the country's power generation capabilities.
Power Shortfall Looms Over Peak Hours
The Cuban Electrical Union (UNE) reported on social media that during peak hours, the electricity supply is expected to reach only 1,630 MW against a peak demand of 3,150 MW. This leaves a shortfall of 1,520 MW, potentially leading to outages totaling 1,590 MW, primarily affecting the central and eastern regions of the island.
According to Alfredo López Valdés, head of the state-run company, units 1 and 3 at CTE Santa Cruz, unit 3 at CTE Cienfuegos, unit 2 at CTE Felton, and units 3 and 6 at CTE Rente are all out of service. In addition, maintenance is underway on unit 2 at CTE Santa Cruz, unit 1 at CTE Felton, and unit 5 at CTE Rente.
Unmet Predictions and Public Frustration
The UNE acknowledged that on the previous day, the power supply was disrupted for 24 hours due to generation capacity limitations. The most significant shortfall occurred at 7:10 PM, coinciding with peak demand, reaching 1,525 MW. This figure surpassed the UNE's prediction of 1,400 MW, highlighting the company's consistent underestimation of the crisis.
While Havana seems comparatively sheltered, the UNE admits a "greater impact" on the central-eastern regions, fueling resentment among citizens who view this disparity as an unfair privilege afforded to government officials and regime leaders residing in the capital.
Emergency Measures in Havana
The Havana Electrical Company issued a notice on social media, alerting its customers that the ongoing "energy emergency" necessitates unscheduled power cuts. On Thursday, residents in Blocks #3 and #4 experienced outages from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, while Block #2 faced outages from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The company also urged residents to "use electricity rationally to minimize consumption, prevent grid overloads, and avoid service interruptions." If this is the situation in Havana, one can only imagine the conditions for residents in other Cuban provinces.