The Electric Union (UNE) has forecast an unprecedented level of power outages for this Wednesday, reaching 1,870 MW. This record-breaking figure highlights the severe crisis in electricity generation across the island. The shutdown on Tuesday of Felton 1 from the National Electric System (SEN), which is expected to be offline for approximately 20 days, has exacerbated the already dire situation.
Yesterday, six thermoelectric units were out of service in Cuba, and today that number has increased to nine. Power supply was disrupted starting at 5:12 a.m. on Tuesday and persisted throughout the early hours of today. The peak disruption recorded on February 11 was alarmingly high, hitting 1,736 MW at 6:40 p.m.—far exceeding the UNE's prior prediction of 1,460 MW for that day.
At 7:00 a.m. this Wednesday, only 1,390 MW of generation capacity was available, while demand surged to 2,300 MW, immediately creating a shortfall of 987 MW. It is anticipated that this shortfall will climb to 1,250 MW by midday. Currently, the SEN is contending with malfunctions in four thermoelectric units: Unit 3 at CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 6 at Renté, and Units 1 and 2 at CTE Felton. Five additional units are undergoing maintenance, including Unit 2 at CTE Santa Cruz, Units 3 and 4 at CTE Cienfuegos, Unit 6 at Nuevitas, and Unit 5 at CTE Renté.
Thermal generation limitations have reached 250 MW. Due to fuel shortages, 57 distributed generation plants are offline, affecting 407 MW. Additionally, there are deficits of 90 MW at the Melones barge and 30 MW at the Regla barge, totaling 527 MW out of service through these channels.
Evening Peak Forecast
The Electric Union expects to bring 100 MW back online from Unit 6 at CTE Nuevitas, which is currently being restarted. However, the projected availability for peak consumption hours remains at 1,490 MW, compared to an estimated maximum demand of 3,290 MW. This scenario suggests a forecasted shortfall of 1,870 MW during the evening.
Scheduled Outages in Havana
Given the critical state of the SEN, Havana Electric Company has announced scheduled service interruptions for this Wednesday:
- Blocks #3 and #4: From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Block #2: From 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Block #1: From 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Mounting Desperation Among Cubans
The persistent lack of electricity has become a daily nightmare, affecting the nutrition, rest, and overall quality of life for thousands of families. Comments from frustrated citizens reflect their despair: "What's happening is inhumane, there's no excuse"; "There's never a day without issues, they're adapting us to this misery"; "Preparing for the total blackout"; "Might as well disconnect the country now"; "Every day we progress further into the Stone Age"; "The minister explains well, but nothing he says generates electricity."
Citizens also highlight the social impact of the crisis: spoiled food, children and elderly unable to eat or sleep due to power outages, and widespread neglect. "Who will pay for the food that's spoiling?" and "They're slowly killing us," are sentiments echoed by outraged Cubans.
The distress is tinged with resignation and sarcasm, as users joke about the imminent 2,000 MW deficit: "We're progressing." For many, the electricity shortage is merely another symptom of a crumbling system. Dissatisfaction grows with the perceived ineptitude of the authorities to resolve the crisis.
Unequal energy distribution is another frequent complaint. "If you planned equitably across the island, the suffering would be less," lamented one citizen, pointing out that some areas, like Havana, experience fewer outages.
Many fear the nation is heading towards a massive blackout, given the instability of the National Electric System (SEN). Despair is evident among those who have endured decades of crisis and see the situation worsening without a clear solution. "I was born with the blockade and at this rate, I'll die with that word echoing in my ears," wrote one Cuban, challenging the official narrative that external factors are to blame for the energy crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Electricity Crisis
What has caused the recent increase in power outages in Cuba?
The recent increase in power outages is primarily due to the shutdown of critical thermoelectric units, fuel shortages, and ongoing maintenance issues, leading to a significant shortfall between supply and demand.
How are the power outages affecting daily life in Cuba?
The power outages severely impact daily life by disrupting essential activities like cooking and refrigeration, affecting rest, and diminishing the overall quality of life. It also leads to social issues as food spoils and individuals cannot maintain regular routines.
What measures are being taken to address the electricity crisis?
Efforts include trying to bring certain power units back online and implementing scheduled outages to manage supply. However, these measures have been insufficient to meet the high demand, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and concern.