As August progresses, the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) continues to schedule blackouts for Cubans, unable to generate the electricity that the country demands during the summer. If the previous day saw disruptions reaching 833 MW during peak hours, this Sunday the state company forecasted that blackouts would hit 620 MW during the same time frame.
"An availability of 2,550 MW and a maximum demand of 3,100 MW is estimated, resulting in a deficit of 550 MW. If the predicted conditions persist, an impact of 620 MW is expected during this period," the UNE stated on its social media platforms.
As the saying goes, silence implies consent. The silence from the Cuban regime's authorities about the failure of their repair and maintenance plan to stabilize the National Electric System (SEN) during the summer is glaringly obvious. Despite promises of better performance during the summer, the Miguel Díaz-Canel administration has silently conceded its inability to generate the electrical power required by the economy and Cuban households.
Except for August 3rd and 4th, UNE users have suffered frequent and prolonged daily blackouts, with peaks reaching the following values: 639 MW (day 1), 480 MW, 247 MW (day 5), 628 MW, 725 MW, 621 MW, 610 MW, 985 MW, 356 MW, 825 MW, 517 MW, 832 MW, 829 MW, and 833 MW. This results in an average of 570 MW daily disruptions during peak hours for the first 17 days of August, most of which, according to UNE, experienced service interruptions from generation capacity deficits for 24 hours a day.
Neither Díaz-Canel, nor the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, nor UNE director Alfredo López Valdés have come forward to explain their failed strategy to "minimize blackouts during the months of rest and greater heat" in the country.
Understanding Cuba's Power Outages
Given the ongoing issues with Cuba's electricity generation, many people have questions about the root causes and potential solutions. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is causing the frequent power outages in Cuba?
The frequent power outages in Cuba are primarily due to the inability of the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba to generate enough electricity to meet the country's demand, especially during peak hours in the summer.
What is the National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba?
The National Electric System (SEN) is Cuba's centralized grid responsible for generating and distributing electricity across the country.
Has the Cuban government addressed the power outage issue?
Despite the ongoing power outages, key figures in the Cuban government, including Miguel Díaz-Canel and other top officials, have remained silent on the matter.