A significant power outage on Friday plunged large areas of Havana into darkness after an automatic frequency shutdown affected several substations in the capital. This incident comes amid a severe energy crisis in the country.
According to official reports from pro-government journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso, the Havana Electric Company confirmed that the substations at Plaza, Príncipe, Tropical, and Rincón (Boyeros) experienced issues. This impacted the districts of Boyeros, Playa, Marianao, Plaza, Cerro, and Central Havana.
Lázaro Guerra Hernández, the General Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, indicated that the primary fault might originate at the CUJAE substation.
Cuban authorities have stated that they are working diligently to restore power as swiftly as possible.
Electric System Under Strain
The blackout highlights the fragile state of Cuba's electricity generation, which is currently facing a substantial shortfall. On Friday's peak hours, the National Electric Union (UNE) had planned to bring the Mariel fuel site online with 90 MW, five engines at the Regla barge with 40 MW, and the completion of Unit 1 at the CTE Felton with 75 MW.
Despite these measures, available power was estimated at 1,412 MW, against a peak demand of 3,150 MW, resulting in a predicted deficit of 1,738 MW and potential disruptions totaling 1,768 MW during peak times.
However, the vulnerability of the electrical system was underscored once again. At 9:59 a.m., the UNE reported that Unit 1 of the CTE Ernesto Guevara de la Serna had been forced offline due to an emergency caused by a speed regulator malfunction. This failure triggered the automatic frequency shutdown, affecting an additional 44 MW that are currently being restored.
Public Discontent Over Power Outage
The outage left residents in heavily populated areas of Havana frustrated and worried, as they already endure long and unplanned outages amid high temperatures and a shortage of basic services.
Cuba’s national electrical grid is in a state of structural crisis, plagued by frequent malfunctions in outdated thermal power plants, insufficient maintenance, and limited generation capacity, leading to historic deficits in power supply.
At this time, officials have not provided an estimated timeline for the full restoration of electricity in the affected regions.
Understanding the Havana Blackout and Its Implications
What caused the massive blackout in Havana?
The blackout was caused by an automatic frequency shutdown affecting several substations, amid a critical energy situation in Cuba.
Which areas of Havana were most affected by the power outage?
The districts of Boyeros, Playa, Marianao, Plaza, Cerro, and Central Havana were significantly impacted by the outage.
How does the current energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
Frequent power outages disrupt daily life, causing frustration among residents who face high temperatures and basic service shortages.