Power outages in Cuba have dramatically increased following the recent shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant from the National Electroenergy System (SEN) due to a malfunction. While the Electric Union (UNE) predicted a deficit of 1,545 MW on Monday, this figure rose to 1,714 MW during peak hours on Tuesday.
The previous day, service was disrupted for a full 24 hours and continued through the early hours of today. The maximum impact reached 1,536 MW at 6:10 pm. According to UNE's report, there were 871 MW affected as of 7:00 am on Tuesday, with forecasts estimating this number could climb to 1,300 MW by noon.
Antonio Guiteras is not the sole power plant experiencing issues. Additional breakdowns are affecting three blocks at the Santa Cruz, Nuevitas, and Felton plants. Moreover, five units at the Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, Felton, and Renté plants are currently under maintenance. There are also thermal generation limitations amounting to 151 MW.
Furthermore, 58 distributed generation plants and four engines at the Regla barge are offline due to fuel shortages, resulting in an additional 376 MW being impacted for this reason. "With this forecast, availability during peak hours is estimated at 1,706 MW, with a maximum demand of 3,350 MW, leading to a deficit of 1,644 MW. If conditions remain unchanged, an impact of 1,714 MW is projected for this time," the report details.
The Guiteras plant, the largest and most crucial in Cuba, disconnected from the system again on Monday, just 24 hours after reconnecting. The disconnection occurred at 7:39 pm due to a boiler leak, one of its most common issues. Rubén Campos Olmos, the plant's general manager, stated that the unit might be ready to synchronize with the SEN by Friday, provided the malfunction is not severe.
"If it's not a major rupture in the boiler's water walls, an initial estimate suggests the possibility of reconnecting during Friday's peak demand hours," Campos Olmos specified. He mentioned that upon detecting the fault, the boiler was cooled for inspection and repair. Additional corrective measures will be undertaken with support from the Electric Plant Maintenance Company brigades.
The Matanzas-based thermoelectric plant had synchronized with the SEN on Sunday at 4:48 pm, after ceasing operations earlier that day due to a control feed issue at a nearby substation.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent surge in power outages in Cuba?
The recent surge in power outages in Cuba was primarily caused by the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant due to a boiler leak, in addition to breakdowns in other power stations and fuel shortages affecting distributed generation plants.
How long is the Antonio Guiteras plant expected to be offline?
The Antonio Guiteras plant is expected to be offline until at least Friday, provided the boiler leak is not a severe issue. The plant's management is hopeful of synchronizing with the SEN by then.
What are the impacts of the power plant shutdowns on Cuba's electricity supply?
The shutdowns have resulted in significant electricity deficits, with a peak hour shortfall of 1,714 MW, leading to widespread power outages across the country.