The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has forecasted power outages for this Sunday due to an energy generation shortfall that could lead to disruptions amounting to 1070 MW. According to the official report, service was interrupted on Saturday starting at 4:51 am, peaking at 1298 MW by 6:10 pm. Although service was restored at 12:42 am today, outages resumed at 6:18 am. The central-eastern region is bearing the brunt due to high energy transfers toward that area.
As of 7:00 am on Sunday, the deficit had reached 390 MW, primarily affecting the region from Matanzas to Guantánamo due to increased energy transfer needs. By midday, this figure rose to 600 MW, with the central-eastern zone being the most impacted, and it is anticipated that the deficit will hit 1070 MW during peak hours.
Three units at the Nuevitas, Felton, and Renté thermoelectric plants are out of action. Additionally, four blocks at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté power stations are undergoing maintenance. Furthermore, 58 distributed generation plants, five engines at Moa power station, and unit 5 at the Mariel thermoelectric plant are offline due to fuel shortages, contributing to a total loss of 460 MW.
For the peak period, there is an expectation of recovering 120 MW from distributed generation plants currently offline due to fuel shortages, as well as the activation of five fuel engines at Moa, providing an additional 70 MW. The thermal generation limitations stand at 288 MW.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The outages are primarily due to a significant energy generation deficit, which is exacerbated by the breakdown of several thermoelectric units and a shortage of fuel for distributed generation plants.
Which areas are most affected by the power outages?
The central-eastern region of Cuba, spanning from Matanzas to Guantánamo, is experiencing the most significant impact due to high energy transfer demands.