Once again, and for what feels like the umpteenth time in recent months, Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) has overshot its forecasted power outages for the day. While the expected outages were predicted to affect 1,481 MW, the reality saw 1,548 MW impacted due to a shortfall in generation capacity. December has started off poorly in terms of energy for Cuba, as eight thermoelectric units remain out of service. During peak hours, outages are anticipated to reach 1,436 MW, although it is highly likely that this number will climb even higher.
The power was restored at 2:36 a.m., only to be disrupted again at 5:12 a.m. By 7:00 a.m., the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) had an availability of 1,740 MW against a demand of 2,140 MW, resulting in 440 MW being affected due to the generation deficit. Daytime power outages were estimated to be around 750 MW.
Currently, three units are out due to faults: unit 5 of the Mariel Thermal Power Plant (CTE Mariel), unit 6 of the CTE Renté, and unit 2 of the CTE Felton. Additionally, five units are undergoing maintenance: unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, units 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos, unit 6 of the CTE Nuevitas, and unit 5 of the CTE Renté. The earliest expected return to service for any of these units is December 9, according to Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the general director of Electricity for the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), in a statement to Cuban Television.
The limitations in thermal generation account for 294 MW. A total of 62 distributed generation plants, amounting to 313 MW, and the Santiago de Cuba floating power plant, contributing 65 MW, are out of service due to fuel shortages. This results in a total impact of 378 MW from this cause alone.
For peak hours, it is anticipated that unit 1 of Energás Boca de Jaruco will come online, completing the combined cycle with 50 MW, along with two engines on the Santiago de Cuba floating power plant providing an additional 24 MW. With these predictions, peak hour availability is estimated at 1,814 MW against a maximum demand of 3,180 MW, leading to a deficit of 1,366 MW. Should these conditions persist, a 1,436 MW impact is expected during peak time.
Common Questions About Cuba's Power Outages
What is causing power outages in Cuba?
Power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a deficit in generation capacity, exacerbated by the malfunction and maintenance of multiple thermoelectric units, as well as fuel shortages affecting distributed generation plants.
When will the power situation improve?
The situation might see some improvement after December 9, when some of the units currently under maintenance are expected to return to service, according to official statements.
How are peak hour power demands managed?
During peak hours, efforts are made to bring additional units online, such as units from Energás Boca de Jaruco and the Santiago de Cuba floating power plant, to boost available power and manage the demand.