The energy crisis in Cuba shows no signs of abating, as the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) continues to struggle significantly. On March 14, the country faces a power generation shortfall that has left much of the nation in darkness. According to the Cuban Electric Union (UNE), power outages disrupted services starting at 5:09 AM on March 13 and persisted throughout the early hours of the following day. The highest disruption reached 1,492 megawatts (MW) at 8:00 PM, exceeding expectations due to higher-than-anticipated demand.
Current System Status
As of 7:00 AM, the SEN reported a capacity of 1,780 MW, with demand rising to 2,280 MW, resulting in 514 MW being offline. By midday, an impact of 850 MW is anticipated, hitting the central-eastern regions hardest. Contributing to the deficit are failures in thermal generation and a lack of fuel. Notably, breakdowns are reported in unit 6 of the CTE Rente and unit 2 of the CTE Felton, while other plants are undergoing maintenance. Additionally, 73 distributed generation plants are out of service due to fuel shortages, impacting 448 MW.
Evening Peak Forecast
For the peak demand period, the UNE predicts a partial recovery of 160 MW, including the reactivation of unit 6 at the CTE Rente. Nonetheless, availability will remain inadequate, with 1,940 MW against a peak demand of 3,250 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,310 MW and an estimated impact of 1,380 MW.
Impact on Havana
The Havana Electric Company has announced that due to the deficit, power outages in the capital will persist with a rotational schedule. Today, customers in blocks 4, 3, 1, and 2 will experience scheduled outages at various times throughout the day.
Ongoing Energy Crisis in Cuba
Cuba's energy crisis has deepened over recent years, with its electricity generation system heavily reliant on outdated thermal power plants and a chronic fuel shortage. While new solar photovoltaic parks have been launched in Havana and Cienfuegos, their contribution remains insufficient to meet national demand. The blackouts have fueled growing discontent among the population, who endure prolonged outages amid high temperatures with no clear short-term solution in sight.
Understanding Cuba's Power Outages
What is causing the power deficits in Cuba?
The power deficits in Cuba are primarily caused by failures in thermal generation, a lack of fuel, and the shutdown of various units due to maintenance or breakdowns.
How are the outages impacting Havana?
In Havana, residents are experiencing rotational power outages due to the deficit, with scheduled cuts affecting various blocks at different times.
What measures are being taken to address the energy crisis?
Efforts include activating previously offline units and the introduction of solar photovoltaic parks, although these measures have not yet met the national demand.