The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has painted a dire picture for the island's electricity supply, forecasting a power generation shortfall exceeding 800 MW during peak hours. In a recent social media update, the UNE highlighted severe disruptions within the National Electric System (SEN), which have left countless Cuban residents without reliable electricity amidst an escalating energy crisis that has worsened over the past year.
Details provided by the UNE indicate that the system has suffered outages due to insufficient generation capacity, predominantly impacting provinces ranging from Matanzas to Guantánamo. These blackouts have been exacerbated by malfunctions in various thermoelectric plants and electrical networks, largely due to the effects of the recent Hurricane Rafael and earthquakes that have struck the eastern region of the country.
Overall, the peak hour deficit could soar to 855 MW, resulting in widespread power cuts during times of highest demand. "For peak hours, we anticipate an availability of 1,915 MW and a maximum demand of 2,700 MW, culminating in a 785 MW deficit. If current conditions persist, an impact of 855 MW is expected during this period. We plan to restore services by the next morning," stated the state-run company.
Power outages have become a persistent issue in the daily lives of Cubans for several months. Recent reports indicate that residents in Pinar del Río, Santiago de Cuba, and other provinces have endured blackouts lasting over 100 hours, severely affecting their quality of life and fueling growing frustration among the populace. Protests against these power failures have been met with arrests as authorities clamp down on demonstrators voicing their discontent over the lack of essential services.
Infrastructure Challenges and Fuel Shortages
The ongoing crisis within the SEN is partly attributed to the degradation of infrastructure and a shortage of fuel necessary for stable power generation. According to the UNE, several key plant units, such as those at the Mariel and Santa Cruz thermoelectric facilities, are out of operation, while other units are undergoing maintenance or remain idle due to resource shortages. Distributed generation also faces limitations due to fuel scarcity, further diminishing response capacity.
In light of this situation, the UNE has urged the public to brace for ongoing disruptions. As power outages become routine, the Cuban population continues to endure the consequences of a deficient infrastructure that demands urgent repairs and financial support to prevent a more severe collapse in electricity supply.