Santiago de Cuba is facing a complete power outage this Saturday following the collapse of the microgrid that had been established to provide some electricity after the National Electric System (SEN) failed on Friday. In an update shared through Telegram, the Santiago de Cuba Electric Company announced that all circuits in the province are currently without power.
Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the general director of electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, confirmed in a televised statement that the Santiago de Cuba microgrid was intended to fuel the Renté thermoelectric plant for synchronizing unit 3, which was in the startup process on Saturday morning.
Similarly, in the eastern region, the Camagüey microgrid was also prepared to supply power to the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant, which was undergoing startup procedures.
A nationwide blackout occurred on Friday night due to a failure at the Diezmero substation in Havana. Guerra Hernández mentioned that currently, 225 MW are being supplied from the microgrids that have been developed so far, and these are serving essential centers.
He further clarified that the western microgrid, the largest in the nation, is awaiting the startup of the Energás plant, which will enable power distribution to several substations in Havana, as well as the Mariel and Santa Cruz thermoelectric plants, and the floating power stations. Until these units are operational, energy distribution across different circuits cannot commence.
Authorities claim to be working tirelessly to reconnect the National Electric System (SEN), amid widespread frustration, anger, and distrust among millions of Cubans. A video released by journalist Mario Herrera from Canal Habana provided insights into the failure that occurred at 8:15 pm on Friday at the Diezmero electrical substation, located in the San Miguel del Padrón municipality, leading to the system's collapse.
Ariel Mas Castellanos, director of substations for the capital's Electric Company, explained that the failure was due to the insulation breakdown of a line component, stemming from its many years of use. "It's aged," he admitted. The specialist shared that due to the condition of Cuba's system, replacing this device has been impossible, as it is so outdated that no suitable replacements are available on the international market.
Understanding the Power Crisis in Cuba
What caused the blackout in Santiago de Cuba?
The blackout in Santiago de Cuba was caused by the collapse of a microgrid intended to provide electricity after the failure of the National Electric System (SEN) on Friday.
How are the Cuban authorities addressing the power outage?
Cuban authorities are working to reconnect the National Electric System by utilizing microgrids and awaiting the startup of key power plants to restore energy distribution.
What challenges are faced in replacing outdated components?
The main challenge is that the system's components are so outdated that replacements are not available on the international market, making it impossible to substitute failed devices.