As a new week unfolds in Cuba, the nation is bracing for intensified power outages, with a reported deficit of 1235 MW expected on Monday. This shortfall surpasses the previous day’s peak issue, which reached 1173 MW at 6:10 pm.
The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) shared on Facebook that power services were disrupted on Sunday due to limited generation capacity beginning at 6:22 am, and normal service was not restored until 10:57 pm. The outages resumed early Monday at 6:12 am, heavily impacting the central-eastern region due to high energy transfers directed there.
By 7:00 am on Monday, the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) had an availability of 1885 MW against a demand of 1950 MW, leaving 180 MW affected due to generation shortfalls. Projections for midday suggest the impact could escalate to 650 MW, again with significant effects in the central-eastern areas.
Several units at the Felton and Renté thermoelectric plants are currently out of order. Additionally, five blocks from the CTE Mariel, Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté plants are undergoing maintenance. The situation is further exacerbated by 53 distributed generation plants being offline due to fuel shortages, resulting in 274 MW being affected.
Thermal generation limitations account for 339 MW in shortfall, highlighting the ongoing challenges in Cuba's energy sector.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages are primarily due to a deficit in generation capacity, maintenance on several power plant units, and fuel shortages affecting distributed generation centers.
Which areas in Cuba are most affected by these outages?
The central-eastern regions of Cuba are experiencing the most significant impact due to the high energy transfers required in these areas.
How long are the power outages expected to last?
The duration of the outages can vary, but on the reported Sunday, disruptions lasted from early morning until late evening, with further disturbances resuming the next day.