The energy crisis in Cuba is intensifying, and on Monday, March 10, the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) anticipates power disruptions exceeding 1,500 megawatts (MW) during peak hours. State-run company led by Alfredo López Valdés announced on social media that the National Electric System (SEN) experienced prolonged outages on Sunday, with a maximum disruption reaching 1,438 MW at night—a figure surpassing planned levels due to unanticipated demand.
As of 7:00 a.m. on March 10, the SEN's availability stands at a mere 1,650 MW, while demand has surged to 2,400 MW, resulting in an immediate shortfall of 755 MW. By midday, the impact is expected to reach 1,100 MW, further deteriorating the situation for the evening peak hours.
During the night, when electricity use peaks, a deficit of 1,440 MW is anticipated, with an estimated disruption of 1,510 MW, leaving a significant portion of the country in darkness for several hours.
Root Causes of the Electrical Crisis
The power supply disruptions are due to multiple failures within the SEN. Currently, there are breakdowns in Unit 5 of the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Plant and Units 1 and 2 of the Felton Plant. Additionally, maintenance is underway on Unit 6 at the Mariel Plant, Unit 2 at the Santa Cruz Plant, Units 3 and 4 at the Cienfuegos Plant, and Unit 5 at the Renté Plant.
Thermal limitations have sidelined an additional 343 MW, while fuel shortages have rendered 56 distributed generation plants inoperative, totaling a loss of 383 MW.
Given this scenario, authorities caution that these disruptions will persist in the coming days, with no immediate solution in sight, leaving the populace amidst a prolonged energy crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Power Shortages
What is causing the power crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is driven by failures in multiple units within the National Electric System, thermal limitations, and fuel shortages affecting distributed generation plants.
How severe are the expected blackouts in Cuba?
Blackouts are expected to exceed 1,500 MW during peak hours, affecting large portions of the country and leaving many areas without electricity for several hours.
Is there a quick solution to the electrical problems in Cuba?
Currently, authorities have not identified an immediate resolution, and the disruptions are expected to continue in the foreseeable future.