This Saturday, Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) issued a warning that the nation is bracing for a particularly challenging night, with an anticipated power shortfall of 2,280 MW during peak evening hours. The country will only have 1,050 MW available to meet a projected demand of 3,300 MW.
This severe shortage means the national grid will only be able to supply about 32% of the electricity needed during peak consumption times, leaving most Cubans without power, according to the daily report released by the entity.
Conditions were no better on Friday, as service disruptions persisted throughout the entire day and into the early morning. The maximum outage recorded was 2,279 MW at 9:10 PM, which didn't even coincide with the peak demand period.
Thermoelectric Units and Maintenance Setbacks
Several key thermoelectric units are currently out of service. These include Unit 6 of the Máximo Gómez Thermoelectric in Mariel's Special Zone, Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric in Cienfuegos, and Unit 2 of the Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermoelectric in Felton, Holguín.
Units undergoing maintenance are Unit 3 of the Ernesto Guevara De La Serna Thermoelectric in Santa Cruz del Norte, Mayabeque; Units 5 and 6 of the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric in Renté, Santiago de Cuba; and Unit 5 of the Diez de Octubre Thermoelectric in Nuevitas, Camagüey.
Additional Generation Hurdles
The situation is compounded by the paralysis of 106 distributed generation plants due to fuel shortages, along with the Regla and Melones Barges, the Central Fuel in Mariel, and the Central Fuel in Moa.
Though 54 solar photovoltaic parks generated 4,410 MWh on Friday, with a peak capacity of 686 MW, this output only alleviates the deficit during daylight hours, failing to prevent the nightly collapse.
Record-Breaking Electrical Crisis
This Saturday's forecast is part of a broader electrical crisis that has reached historic levels in recent weeks. On August 5, the largest deficit of the year was recorded at 2,411 MW, surpassing the previous record set on July 29.
Earlier in August, Cuba experienced its sixth and seventh total blackouts of the year, plunging the nation into darkness twice in less than 48 hours.
Governmental and International Responses
On Thursday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel visited the Havana Electric Company, discussing the potential use of artificial intelligence to distribute outages more fairly, although no specific timelines or technical details were provided. An official statement from the Presidency promised "greater equity in power distribution" once new programs are developed.
China has delivered a second batch of 5,000 photovoltaic systems for rural homes and essential services. However, responses from Russia have been less optimistic. Russian expert Igor Yushkov, from the Financial University under the Russian government, dismissed the possibility of immediate aid, citing Cuba's inability to pay. He noted that Cuba's energy system is "severely deteriorated" and lacks new generation capacity.
Experts estimate that restoring the national energy grid would cost between $8 billion and $10 billion, a sum the Cuban government currently cannot afford.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Struggles
What is causing Cuba's severe power shortages?
Cuba is experiencing severe power shortages due to outdated infrastructure, several thermoelectric units being out of service, and fuel shortages affecting distributed generation plants.
How is the Cuban government planning to address the power crisis?
The Cuban government is considering using artificial intelligence to distribute power outages more equitably, although specifics on timing and implementation are not yet available.
What international aid is Cuba receiving for its energy crisis?
China has provided photovoltaic systems to assist rural areas, but immediate aid from Russia appears unlikely due to Cuba's financial constraints.