The National Electric System in Cuba remains in a dire state as of February 13th, with widespread blackouts lasting over 24 hours in certain regions. According to official reports, the peak power outage reached 1,779 MW at 7:20 p.m. yesterday, aligning with the highest demand period. Although this is slightly below the 1,870 MW predicted by UNE, it still marks a new peak.
Today does not promise improvement, as UNE projects over 1,800 MW in service disruptions. The crisis extended into the early hours, with only 1,200 MW available against a 2,300 MW demand, leading to a 1,147 MW shortfall. Power generation prospects are bleak.
Currently, 10 of the nation’s thermoelectric units are offline due to breakdowns or maintenance. Units affected by breakdowns include Santa Cruz's Unit 3, Nuevitas' Units 5 and 6, Renté's Unit 6, and Felton's Units 1 and 2. Meanwhile, maintenance is underway for Santa Cruz's Unit 2, Cienfuegos' Units 3 and 4, and Renté's Unit 5.
Thermal generation limitations account for 235 MW, and fuel shortages have sidelined 59 distributed generation plants (340 MW), along with the Melones barge (155 MW) and Regla barge (45 MW), totaling 540 MW unavailable.
Forecast for Peak Demand
Authorities anticipate some equipment will be operational by late afternoon, including Santa Cruz's Unit 3 with 60 MW, nine motors on the Melones barge with 155 MW, and five motors on the Regla barge with 45 MW. However, these additions fall short of meeting demand.
A supply of 1,460 MW is expected, while demand could soar to 3,200 MW, resulting in a 1,740 MW deficit and an estimated 1,810 MW impact during peak hours.
Havana is not spared from this crisis. The Havana Electric Company issued three notices, citing "minimal availability" in the National Electric System's base generation, which has led to extended blackout schedules in the capital.
In Havana, today's predicted outages are as follows:
- 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: Blocks #3 and #4
- 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Blocks #1 and #2
- 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Blocks #3 and #4
The national situation is critically severe, as journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso highlighted on Facebook this Thursday morning. "Cuba reports the most significant electricity generation capacity deficit in recent months, possibly years. As of Thursday morning, much of the country lacks electrical service," he acknowledged.
Alonso added that many users reported outages exceeding 20 hours in some areas. However, social media reports suggest some continuous blackouts last even longer than 24 hours. Many internet users have expressed despair and frustration online, as refrigerated food begins to spoil.
"We are on the brink of another massive blackout," lamented one of the countless online commentators fed up with Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, regardless of the season. On Wednesday, the Electric Union (UNE) announced that the thermoelectric unit 1, which went offline Tuesday due to a breakdown, will not rejoin the National Electric System for another 20 days.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is the current state of Cuba's power generation?
Cuba is experiencing a severe power generation crisis, with widespread blackouts and a significant shortfall in electricity supply due to multiple thermoelectric units being offline.
How long are the blackouts lasting?
In some areas, blackouts have surpassed 24 consecutive hours, causing widespread concern and frustration among residents.
Which areas are most affected by the power crisis?
While the entire country is impacted, Havana has seen extended blackout schedules due to minimal availability in the National Electric System.