The Cuban Electrical Union (UNE) announced on Thursday a slight reduction in the severity of power outages following several challenging days of widespread service disruptions across the country. Despite this relative improvement, the generation shortfall remains significant, necessitating scheduled power cuts in various provinces.
According to the UNE's official report, power outages persisted for 24 hours on Wednesday, peaking at 1,689 MW around 7:30 p.m., coinciding with the highest demand period. The organization explained that the energy deficit continues due to a combination of breakdowns at several thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance, and fuel shortages.
On Thursday morning, the National Electrical System (SEN) had an availability of 1,630 MW, while demand reached 2,480 MW, resulting in an 872 MW shortage. It's estimated that by midday, the shortfall will increase to 1,100 MW, and during the evening peak, the deficit might hit 1,274 MW, leading to cuts of up to 1,344 MW nationwide.
Breakdowns and Fuel Shortages Continue to Plague Power Plants
The UNE reported ongoing malfunctions at Unit 5 of the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Plant and Unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant. Meanwhile, maintenance continues at Unit 6 of the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant, Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant, Units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Plant, and Unit 5 of the Renté Thermoelectric Plant.
Additionally, 82 distributed generation plants are offline due to fuel shortages, resulting in a loss of 501 MW. This adds to the 116 MW from the Mariel fuel plant and 147 MW from the Moa plant, totaling 764 MW affected by fuel scarcity.
For the evening, the UNE anticipates the recovery of 100 MW from distributed generation engines currently offline due to fuel shortages, as well as the activation of 5 engines in Moa (80 MW) and 7 in Mariel (116 MW).
Scheduled Blackouts in Havana Due to Power Deficit
In response to the generation deficit, the Havana Electric Company confirmed a schedule of rotating blackouts for Thursday. According to a statement on social media, the outages in the capital will impact different sectors at the following times:
- 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: Blocks #3 and #4
- 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Block #1
- 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Block #2
The company assured that their Telegram, X (Twitter), and Facebook channels will continue to provide updated information on the status of the electrical service. They have also set up the number 18888 to handle public inquiries.
Critical Days and an Uncertain Future
Today's announcement reflects a slight improvement compared to Wednesday, when the energy deficit exceeded 1,700 MW, causing widespread blackouts across the island. However, the crisis remains unresolved.
Despite efforts to restore power, the lack of investment, the deterioration of thermoelectric plants, and fuel shortages have made blackouts a constant challenge for Cubans. The UNE has not provided a forecast for when electrical generation might stabilize, so disruptions are expected to continue in the coming days.
Key Concerns About Cuba's Ongoing Power Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily caused by a combination of breakdowns at thermoelectric plants, scheduled maintenance activities, and a shortage of fuel.
How is the Cuban government addressing the power deficit?
The Cuban government is attempting to manage the power deficit through scheduled blackouts, maintenance of power plants, and efforts to bring additional generation units back online.
What are the expected blackouts in Havana?
Havana is expected to experience rotating blackouts affecting different blocks at specific times as part of a planned schedule to manage the power deficit.