The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has issued a dire warning regarding the National Electric System (SEN), highlighting severe disruptions for Monday due to a power generation shortfall surpassing 1,400 MW. This announcement, shared via social media and national television, underscores the deep-rooted challenges plaguing the country's electrical sector just ahead of Christmas Eve festivities.
Recent Power Disruptions and Current Deficit
According to the official report, the electrical service was disrupted starting at 6:10 AM on Sunday because of a generation capacity deficit. The peak impact was recorded at 1,442 MW at 6:10 PM, coinciding with the highest demand. Although service was partially restored by 10:43 PM, outages resumed at 5:19 AM on Monday, significantly affecting the central-eastern region due to high energy transfers to that area.
In the morning report, the UNE noted that at 7:00 AM, the available generation was 1,612 MW against a demand of 1,940 MW, resulting in a 430 MW shortfall. By midday, the deficit was expected to increase to 800 MW, with the central and eastern parts of the country experiencing the greatest difficulties.
Underlying Causes of the Energy Crisis
The statement detailed the primary causes of the current crisis. Several generating units remain offline, including unit 2 of the CTE Felton and units 3 and 6 of the CTE Renté. Other units, such as unit 8 of the CTE Mariel and unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, are undergoing maintenance, along with units 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos and unit 5 of the CTE Renté. These breakdowns and maintenance activities contribute to limitations of 263 MW.
Moreover, distributed generation is facing significant restrictions due to fuel shortages, leaving 73 plants inactive with a capacity of 482 MW, along with 66 MW out of service at the CDE Moa. Unit 1 of the CTE Felton is operating at a reduced capacity of 125 MW to ensure fuel level completion in the reception tank, impacting an additional 95 MW. Altogether, these issues add up to 643 MW of further disruptions.
Forecast and Expected Impact
For the peak hours on Tuesday, the UNE anticipates available generation of 1,777 MW against a projected peak demand of 3,120 MW. This will result in a deficit of 1,343 MW, with potential impacts up to 1,413 MW if current conditions persist. The introduction of unit 8 of the CTE Mariel with 70 MW and the completion of unit 1 of the CTE Felton with an additional 95 MW are expected to help alleviate the situation during nighttime hours.
Impact on Daily Life and Community Sentiment
Extended blackouts are severely disrupting the daily lives of Cubans, particularly as they prepare for the holiday season. The lack of electricity complicates essential tasks such as food preparation, preservation of perishables, and family gatherings. Citizens are voicing their frustration on social media over the absence of long-term solutions to the energy crisis.
Future Outlook and Challenges
The UNE has emphasized that the recovery of the SEN hinges on the completion of maintenance tasks and the availability of resources for repairs. However, the current scenario suggests that interruptions will persist in the coming weeks, compelling Cubans to brace for a Christmas Eve marked by uncertainty and to seek alternatives to cope with power cuts.
Key Questions on Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages are caused by a significant generation capacity deficit due to offline generators and maintenance needs, compounded by fuel shortages affecting distributed generation.
How are the power cuts affecting daily life in Cuba?
The power cuts are disrupting daily activities, including food preparation and storage, and hindering holiday preparations and family gatherings.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis?
Efforts to mitigate the crisis include completing maintenance on key generating units and bringing additional capacity online, although these are short-term solutions.