The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, announced on social media that the gradual restoration of Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) has commenced. This is being achieved through the creation of regional power 'islands,' similar to strategies employed during the last two major blackouts. In a post on the MINEM X account, de la O Levy noted that "conditions are more favorable than during the previous disconnection," as if this could offer some relief to a public weary of constant outages. He further mentioned that the process is not hampered by hurricanes.
"Distributed generation islands are operational nationwide, with a focus on micro electric systems for water pumping," the post continued. "Several units are ready to start up, and today a significant percentage of the SEN will be recovered."
Official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso conferred on Facebook, stating that "customers in various provinces already have service through these micro systems, although it's still minimal." He added that throughout the day, "territorial islands will be consolidated."
Alonso reiterated that power generation is ongoing at gas plants and that the floating power plants in Havana will start up, enabling electricity to reach Mariel. "In the east, engines in Moa are being activated to restart Felton and Renté. Unit 5 in Nuevitas will begin operations to supply energy to the central region," he specified.
Alonso also mentioned that, as of now, no faults have been identified in thermal units following the SEN's collapse. He indicated that the electricity coverage is expected to expand throughout the day, though he cautioned that it will be "a slow process."
"The fundamental restoration is expected to be completed by tomorrow," he concluded.
As of the close of this report, no updated information is available regarding the status of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, whose unexpected disconnection earlier this morning was cited as the cause of the third SEN collapse in less than two months.
Regarding service restoration in Havana, the city's Electric Company updated that currently, 12 hospitals and 35 circuits are supplied with power, located in the municipalities of Guanabacoa, Boyeros, Habana del Este, Centro Habana, Cerro, and Marianao.
Key Insights on Cuban Power Grid Challenges
What measures are being taken to restore power in Cuba?
Cuban authorities are implementing regional power 'islands' and prioritizing micro electric systems for water pumping. Several units are prepared to start, aiming for a significant restoration of the National Electric System.
How has the blackout affected Havana?
In Havana, power service has been restored to 12 hospitals and 35 circuits across several municipalities, with efforts ongoing to expand electricity coverage.
What caused the recent blackout in Cuba?
The unexpected disconnection of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant was identified as the cause of the third major collapse of the National Electric System in less than two months.