The National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba is grappling with a severe crisis following the shutdown of the country's largest and most crucial power plant, the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant. As a result, Cubans endured continuous blackouts over the past 24 hours, reaching a record high of 1,775 MW of disruption at 6:40 p.m. on February 4th, coinciding with peak demand hours.
Regrettably, the future doesn't look much brighter, according to the daily report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE). Forecasts suggest an impact of 1,630 MW for today. As of 7:00 a.m. on February 5th, the SEN had a capacity of 1,470 MW, while demand soared to 2,350 MW, causing a shortfall of 911 MW at that time. By midday, this shortfall is expected to increase to 1,350 MW.
In addition to the Antonio Guiteras plant in Matanzas, three other units are out of order: Unit 3 of the Santa Cruz CTE, Unit 5 of the Nuevitas CTE, and Unit 2 of the Felton CTE. Five additional units are undergoing maintenance: Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz CTE, Units 3 and 4 of the Cienfuegos CTE, Unit 1 of the Felton CTE, and Unit 5 of the Renté CTE.
Generation Challenges and Evening Forecast
Thermal generation limitations have reached 160 MW, and fuel shortages have rendered 54 distributed generation plants inactive, impacting an additional 342 MW. For the peak evening hours, there are plans to recover 150 MW through distributed generation engines and add 70 MW with the activation of Unit 5 of the Nuevitas CTE. Nevertheless, the situation remains dire.
The projected availability for peak hours is 1,685 MW, with an expected maximum demand of 3,250 MW, resulting in a staggering energy deficit of 1,560 MW. Despite being slightly less severe than yesterday, the anticipated impact for peak hours is still a daunting 1,630 MW.
The Havana Electric Company has informed its customers that due to the generation capacity deficit within the SEN, it is necessary to cut power to clients in the capital associated with Blocks #1 and #2 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Additionally, Block #4 will be affected from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and if necessary, Block #3 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
However, the provinces in the interior of the country endure the harshest blackouts, a frequent complaint among thousands of affected citizens who criticize the perceived preferential treatment given to the capital compared to the rest.
Electric companies and provincial governments across various regions have reported that due to the significant deficit, they are unable to adhere to the "established planning." "The schedules with and without power will depend on the increase in demand and the generation availability within the National Electroenergetic System," concluded a note published in Las Tunas.
The shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant from the SEN shortly after seven in the evening on Monday—barely 24 hours after rejoining the SEN following another breakdown—triggered a crisis already looming due to constant failures and fuel shortages. It remains uncertain when the Guiteras will return to the SEN. Unlike previous estimates shared on social media, official journalist José Miguel Solís announced on Tuesday that it is still impossible to predict the exact time the plant will resynchronize with the SEN.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent blackouts in Cuba?
The recent blackouts in Cuba were mainly caused by the shutdown of the country's largest thermoelectric plant, Antonio Guiteras, along with issues in other power plants and fuel shortages.
How severe is the energy deficit in Cuba?
Cuba is currently facing a significant energy deficit, with a shortfall expected to reach 1,560 MW during peak demand hours.
What measures are being taken to address the power shortages?
Efforts to mitigate the power shortages include recovering 150 MW through distributed generation engines and adding 70 MW with the activation of a power unit in Nuevitas. However, these measures are not sufficient to resolve the crisis.