On Tuesday, Cuba is once again grappling with a severe electricity generation crisis, as the National Electric System (SEN) anticipates a significant shortfall of 1,596 MW during peak hours. According to the daily report from the Electric Union on Facebook, the morning production stands at 1,530 MW against a demand of 2,100 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 605 MW across various regions. This situation is expected to deteriorate further in the afternoon and evening.
The electric crisis is exacerbated by multiple malfunctions in critical thermal plants, including units at the Mariel, Nuevitas, Felton, and Renté thermoelectric centers. Additionally, scheduled maintenance of units in Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Nuevitas adds to the problem. Furthermore, a fuel shortage has led to the shutdown of 58 distributed generation plants, causing an additional loss of 360 MW, which includes the floating power plant in Santiago de Cuba.
Power Outages Intensify in Havana
In Havana, scheduled blackouts will impact Blocks #3 and #4 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by Block #2 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Block #1 will be without power from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. These measures, announced by the city’s electric company, aim to manage the deficit but leave thousands of Havana residents facing another day of prolonged outages.
Artemisa Struggles with Additional Disruptions
The province of Artemisa continues to suffer from the aftermath of Hurricane Rafael, with 10 MW offline due to damaged power lines. While authorities persist in their efforts to restore generation and allocate the limited energy available, the persistent blackouts deepen the sense of despair among a population that has been enduring the limitations of the SEN for months.
Understanding the Cuban Energy Crisis
What is causing the severe power shortages in Cuba?
The severe power shortages in Cuba are primarily due to malfunctions in key thermal plants, scheduled maintenance, and a significant lack of fuel affecting distributed generation plants.
How are the power outages affecting residents in Havana?
Residents in Havana are experiencing scheduled blackouts throughout the day, impacting their daily activities and increasing frustration with prolonged power outages.
What efforts are being made to address the power crisis in Cuba?
Authorities are working to repair and maintain power plants and manage the limited energy resources available to mitigate the power crisis in Cuba.