The Electric Union (UNE) of Cuba has announced that the National Electric System (SEN) will face a 605 MW generation deficit this Saturday, leading to further service interruptions. A note from the UNE on Facebook highlights the ongoing critical energy situation in Cuba, with continuous power outages affecting the population.
Yesterday, the service was disrupted due to a generation capacity deficit starting at 9:46 AM, and it wasn't restored until 4:10 AM today. The maximum recorded outage was 1025 MW at 8:30 PM, although this did not coincide with peak hours. As of 7:00 AM this morning, the SEN's availability was 2115 MW compared to a demand of 2090 MW, which allowed the system to maintain service.
However, the entity estimates that during mid-demand hours, there will be a maximum outage of 370 MW due to the generation capacity deficit. Currently, several critical units are out of service due to breakdowns, including unit 1 of the CTE Santa Cruz, unit 1 of the CTE Guiteras, unit 2 of the CTE Felton, and units 5 and 6 of the CTE Rente. Additionally, 54 distributed generation plants are inoperative due to a lack of fuel, affecting a total of 214 MW.
To mitigate the deficit during peak hours, eight engines from the Melones barge are expected to come online, adding 150 MW to the system. Nonetheless, with a forecasted availability of 2345 MW and a maximum estimated demand of 2950 MW, a 605 MW deficit is anticipated, resulting in up to 675 MW outages during peak consumption hours, the entity detailed.
This situation reflects the ongoing energy crisis that the country faces, with outdated infrastructure and significant limitations in generation capacity. The context has been particularly aggravated this week by the outage of the CTE Guiteras, the country's largest power plant, from Wednesday, which will remain out of service for seven days. On Friday, the Havana Electric Company announced an "emergency" need to increase power outages in the island's capital to four hours due to a significant deficit in the SEN's electrical generation.
This measure responds to the severe energy crisis the country is experiencing, exacerbated by the recent shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant and the breakdowns of five other blocks. The regime avoids affecting Havana residents with power cuts because they usually respond with protests to prolonged outages, indicating the severity of the energy situation in Cuba.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Power Outages
To provide more insight into the ongoing energy crisis in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the situation.
What causes the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are mainly due to an outdated and failing infrastructure, significant limitations in generation capacity, and recent breakdowns of critical power units.
Which power units are currently out of service?
Units currently out of service include unit 1 of CTE Santa Cruz, unit 1 of CTE Guiteras, unit 2 of CTE Felton, and units 5 and 6 of CTE Rente. Additionally, 54 distributed generation plants are inoperative due to a lack of fuel.
How is the government addressing the energy deficit?
To address the energy deficit, the government plans to bring eight engines from the Melones barge online, which will add 150 MW to the system during peak hours.