As the clock ticks down to 2025, Cubans find themselves relying on candles, coal stoves, and dining in the dark. The National Electric System (SEN) is expected to remain in turmoil, with the Electric Union (UNE) predicting a shortage of 1,315 megawatts (MW) during peak hours on Tuesday, December 31, guaranteeing power outages across the island, even as New Year's Eve festivities unfold.
The UNE's official report states that on Monday, electricity service was continuously disrupted for 24 hours, achieving only a brief restoration at 2:44 a.m. on Tuesday. However, by 5:04 a.m., just three hours later, the outages resumed due to a generation shortfall.
The highest recorded shortfall reached 1,660 MW at 6:10 p.m. on Monday, coinciding with peak demand. By Wednesday morning, the SEN's capacity stood at 1,480 MW against a demand of 1,900 MW, resulting in a 412 MW shortfall.
Breakdown of the National Grid
The main reasons for this crisis include malfunctions at the Mariel, Felton, Renté, and Santa Cruz thermoelectric plants, along with maintenance at the Santa Cruz and Cienfuegos facilities. Additionally, 603 MW are constrained due to thermal failures, and another 872 MW are unavailable due to fuel and lubricant shortages, highlighting the dire state of Cuba's energy infrastructure.
The UNE plans to recover 150 MW through distributed generation engines, the reactivation of Unit 1 at the Santa Cruz plant (60 MW), the Melones barge (35 MW), and six Fuel Moa engines (90 MW). Despite these efforts, the nighttime peak deficit is expected to hover around 1,285 MW, with an estimated shortfall of 1,315 MW.
No Respite During Celebrations
Power outages on significant holidays have become a recurring issue in Cuba. On Christmas Eve, December 24, widespread blackouts were also reported, and now, on New Year's Eve, Cubans must once again face a year-end meal without electricity amid growing discontent and resignation.
Despite the addition of 34 new solar photovoltaic parks, which generated 3,038 MWh, renewable energy remains insufficient to meet the national demand, which far exceeds the actual capacity of Cuba's electric system.
Meanwhile, regime authorities claim efforts are underway to stabilize the SEN, but daily reports confirm that the country's energy situation shows no signs of improvement.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy shortages in Cuba?
The energy shortages are primarily due to malfunctions at key thermoelectric plants, maintenance activities, and shortages in fuel and lubricants. Thermal failures and the inability to meet demand with renewable energy also exacerbate the situation.
How is the Cuban government addressing the power outages?
The government claims to be making efforts to stabilize the National Electric System, including plans to recover some power through distributed generation and reactivating certain power units. However, these efforts have yet to alleviate the persistent energy crisis.