The National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba remains in dire straits, experiencing widespread blackouts that exceeded 1,600 MW yesterday, with an anticipated shortfall of up to 1,570 MW during the peak hours of Thursday, April 10th. According to a report from the Electric Union (UNE), service disruptions continued throughout the previous day, peaking at 1,681 MW at 8:20 PM, coinciding with the time of highest demand.
This figure surpassed expectations due to the unforeseen shutdown of units at Energas Jaruco, caused by a malfunction at the gas plant. Energy production from the eight new solar photovoltaic parks reached 620 megawatt-hours (MWh), which remains insufficient against the country's significant energy deficit.
Rising Blackouts and a Generation in Crisis
As of 7:00 AM Thursday, the SEN's available capacity was a mere 1,900 MW against a demand of 2,450 MW, resulting in a capacity shortage of 628 MW. By noon, the impact is expected to rise to 950 MW. Several generating units remain out of service due to breakdowns, including Unit 1 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant (CTE) and Unit 2 of the Felton CTE. Additionally, Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz CTE, Units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos CTE, and Unit 5 of the Renté CTE are undergoing maintenance.
Compounding the issue are thermal generation limitations reaching 389 MW, with 75 distributed generation plants offline due to fuel shortages, leading to a further loss of 515 MW. Moreover, another 119 MW is unavailable due to a lack of lubricants.
Power Cuts Loom Over Havana
Havana's Electric Company has announced scheduled power cuts for several sectors of the capital, in light of the worsening generation deficit. The outage schedule is as follows:
- Block #1: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Block #2: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Block #4: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Block #3: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
During tonight's peak hours, the maximum demand is projected to reach 3,400 MW, while availability remains at only 1,900 MW. This deficit is expected to hit 1,500 MW, predicting further disruptions for users, with a forecast of 1,570 MW of blackouts during this period.
Despite efforts to incorporate solar parks and sustain some thermoelectric plants, the technical and structural collapse of the SEN continues to worsen. The lack of maintenance, fuel scarcity, and outdated technology severely impact the stability of the electrical service, profoundly affecting the daily lives of Cubans.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the blackouts in Cuba?
The blackouts in Cuba are primarily caused by a significant shortfall in energy generation capacity, exacerbated by unexpected plant shutdowns, maintenance issues, and fuel shortages.
How is the energy crisis affecting daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis affects daily life in Cuba by causing frequent power outages, which disrupt household activities, business operations, and essential services, severely impacting the quality of life.
What measures are being taken to address the energy deficit in Cuba?
Efforts to address the energy deficit include incorporating solar photovoltaic parks and maintaining some thermoelectric plants. However, these measures have not fully resolved the crisis due to ongoing technical and resource challenges.