In recent hours, Havana's Electric Company has released three informational bulletins stating that due to the "minimal availability" in the base generation of the National Electric System (SEN), they have been unable to meet demand. This situation has forced an extension to the scheduled power outages in the capital.
In a notice published around 11 p.m. last night, the state entity mentioned that they had to alter "the order of the previously informed blocks." It further detailed that clients associated with block #3 were impacted at that time. By 6:00 a.m. this Thursday, a second notice indicated that clients associated with block #1 were affected.
A third note clarified that "currently, clients associated with blocks #1 and 2 are experiencing outages until 9 a.m." It also outlined what residents in the capital can expect for the rest of the day.
Power Outage Schedule for February 13 in Havana
- From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Blocks #3 and #4.
- From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Blocks #1 and #2.
- From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Blocks #3 and #4.
In the comments section of these publications, many Havana residents expressed confusion and criticized the Electric Company for not informing the public earlier about the changes and extensions in outage times. The national situation is indeed dire, as journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso highlighted on Facebook Thursday morning.
"Cuba is experiencing the days with the highest electricity generation deficit in recent months, perhaps years. As of this Thursday morning, much of the country is without power," the journalist admitted.
Alonso also noted that many users reported outages lasting over 20 hours in some areas. However, some social media reports suggest that interruptions exceed even 24 hours of continuous blackout. As of the close of this article, the National Electric Union (UNE) has yet to issue its daily report on what occurred yesterday and today's expected impacts.
Yesterday's forecasted outages accounted for 1,870 MW, meaning 57% of the country was without power. "We are on the brink of another massive blackout," a social media user remarked with frustration. On Wednesday, the UNE announced that the unit 1 of the Thermoelectric Plant, which went offline Tuesday due to a malfunction, will not be reconnected to the National Electric System (SEN) for another 20 days.
Understanding Havana's Current Power Crisis
Why are power outages increasing in Havana?
The outages are due to minimal availability in the base generation of the National Electric System, leading to an inability to meet demand.
How long are these outages expected to last?
Some reports indicate outages lasting over 24 hours, though the specific durations vary by location and block.