The energy crisis in Cuba is deepening, with an electricity generation shortfall exceeding 1,600 MW in recent hours. This deficit severely affects the population, resulting in power outages across the nation. According to the Cuban Electric Union (UNE), the highest deficit recorded on February 17 was 1,695 MW. For February 18, an impact of up to 1,620 MW is expected during peak hours, particularly affecting the central-eastern region.
On February 17, the electrical service was disrupted for the entire day, continuing into the early hours of February 18. The maximum impact reached 1,695 MW at 6:40 PM, coinciding with the peak demand time. This figure exceeded initial estimates due to six engines at the Melones floating power plant not starting and a higher-than-planned demand.
As of 7:00 AM on February 18, the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) had an availability of 1,520 MW, while demand reached 2,400 MW, resulting in a 915 MW deficit. It is estimated that by noon, the impact will increase to 1,350 MW, with a more significant effect in the central-eastern area.
Thermoelectric Plants and Fuel Shortages
Several thermoelectric plants are facing failures or undergoing maintenance. The Units 3 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 5 of the CTE Diez de Octubre, and Units 1 and 2 of the CTE Felton are out of service. Meanwhile, Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Units 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of the CTE Renté are under maintenance. Thermal generation limitations account for 272 MW.
In addition to these failures, fuel shortages have led to 62 distributed generation power plants being offline, representing a 441 MW impact. The Unit 6 of the CTE Renté is also not operational due to the same issue, adding another 60 MW to the deficit. In total, 501 MW are offline due to fuel scarcity.
Expected Recovery and Continuing Challenges
For peak hours, UNE anticipates recovering 80 MW from distributed generation engines, starting Unit 3 of the CTE Santa Cruz with 55 MW, activating five engines at the Melones floating power plant with 85 MW, and reactivating Unit 6 of the CTE Renté with 60 MW. Even with these additions, the maximum availability will only reach 1,800 MW, while demand could soar to 3,350 MW, causing a 1,550 MW deficit and blackouts of up to 1,620 MW.
In Havana, the Electric Company announced that outages will be distributed as follows: Blocks 3 and 4 will be without service from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Then, Block 1 will be affected until 5:00 PM, and Block 2 will be without electricity from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Authorities have set up channels on Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, along with the number 18888, for residents to communicate and receive updated information.
The energy crisis in Cuba shows no immediate signs of improvement. A combination of breakdowns, scheduled maintenance, and fuel shortages keeps the population in a state of uncertainty and despair, with blackouts lasting throughout the day.
Understanding Cuba’s Power Outage Crisis
What is causing the widespread blackouts in Cuba?
The blackouts are primarily due to an electricity generation shortfall exceeding 1,600 MW, caused by the combination of plant failures, maintenance, and fuel shortages.
Which areas in Cuba are most affected by the power outages?
The central-eastern region of Cuba is experiencing the most significant impact from the power outages, especially during peak demand hours.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The government plans to recover some energy capacity by reactivating engines and units at various plants, but these efforts are not sufficient to meet the demand, resulting in continued blackouts.