Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) is teetering on the edge of a severe crisis that could lead to another widespread blackout. This precarious situation arises from a significant number of thermoelectric units being either out of commission or undergoing maintenance.
The unexpected disconnection of the SEN from the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas, which occurred recently, has many recalling the frequent collapses linked to this facility, the most critical power plant in the country. According to the Cuban Electric Union (UNE), power outages were recorded on Saturday from 6:44 AM until 12:37 AM, with the most significant disruption at 1,384 MW occurring at 6:20 PM during peak demand hours.
In its daily report, the state-run company noted that the emergency shutdown of the Guiteras plant caused the impact to exceed planned levels, with its reintegration into the SEN expected by Wednesday, January 22. Currently, units 5 and 8 at the Mariel Thermoelectric Plant (with unit 8 in the startup phase) and unit 2 at the Felton Plant are experiencing failures. The status of the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Plant, which has been reporting ongoing breakdowns, was not disclosed by the company led by Alfredo López Valdés.
Meanwhile, maintenance is being conducted on units 2 and 3 at the Santa Cruz Plant, the Guiteras plant unit, units 3 and 4 at the Cienfuegos Plant, and unit 5 at the Renté Plant. Thermal generation limitations amount to 275 MW, and an additional 52 distributed generation plants are offline due to fuel shortages, reducing generation capacity by 276 MW.
During peak hours, the operation of unit 8 at the Mariel Plant is anticipated, increasing SEN's availability to 1,750 MW against a maximum demand of 3,100 MW, resulting in a 1,350 MW shortfall. If these conditions persist, a 1,420 MW disruption is forecasted for those hours.
Recent Memories of SEN Collapses in Cuba
Since October 2024, Cuba has confronted a series of massive blackouts, underscoring the vulnerability of the SEN. These power cuts have plagued various provinces, intensifying the energy crisis despite the regime's temporary solutions and promises.
The first significant blackout occurred in October when an issue at the Antonio Guiteras plant led to widespread outages in western Cuba. This was followed by another collapse in November, impacting the entire eastern region due to failures at the Felton Plant in Holguín. By December, the situation had deteriorated further, with widespread outages leaving millions without power.
The provinces hardest hit include Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Havana, where the lack of electricity has crippled essential services such as hospitals, schools, and telecommunications centers. In some areas, blackouts have lasted over 24 hours.
The root causes of these outages have been linked to inadequate maintenance of thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and a lack of investment in the country's electrical infrastructure. Authorities have cited economic challenges and difficulties in sourcing replacement parts for generating stations as reasons for the crisis.
However, some analysts argue that the energy crisis stems from the regime's investment choices and priorities, focusing more on expanding the tourism sector. They believe the government "lacks both time and money" to adequately address the crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main reasons for Cuba's current energy crisis?
The crisis is primarily due to insufficient maintenance of thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, and limited investment in electrical infrastructure. Economic difficulties and challenges in acquiring replacement parts also contribute to the ongoing issues.
How has the energy crisis impacted Cuban provinces?
Provinces like Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Havana have faced significant disruptions, affecting essential services such as hospitals and telecommunications. Some areas have experienced blackouts lasting over 24 hours.
What solutions have been proposed to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
While the regime has made various promises, analysts suggest that addressing the crisis requires a shift in investment priorities away from tourism and towards the energy sector, as well as securing funding and resources for infrastructure improvements.