The Cuban Electrical Union has issued another disappointing information note for today, October 16, 2024, anticipating serious effects on the electricity supply due to a significant deficit in generation capacity.
The country continues to face chronic problems in its National Electrical System (SEN), with a particularly discouraging outlook for the coming hours.
Critical situation of the SEN in Cuba
Yesterday, the electrical service was affected 24 hours a day due to the lack of generation capacity, and the situation did not improve during the early hours of the morning.
The maximum impact recorded was 1,641 MW at 7:10 p.m., a value much higher than expected, due to a higher demand than forecast and unforeseen failures, such as the output of unit 1 of the Santa Thermoelectric Power Plant (CTE). Cross and delays in the recovery of the Melones patana engines.
Currently, SEN availability at 7:00 am is only 1780 MW, while demand has reached 2660 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 908 MW. For the afternoon, an even greater impact of 1100 MW is estimated, which will increase towards the evening.
Forecast for peak hours in Cuba
The forecast for today’s rush hour is particularly alarming. An availability of 2,005 MW is expected compared to a demand of 3,380 MW, which would generate a deficit of 1,375 MW and an estimated impact of 1,445 MW during that time.
Several critical engines and thermoelectric plants, such as unit 5 of the CTE Nuevitas and unit 3 of the CTE Renté, are out of service for maintenance or breakdowns, exacerbating the situation.
Reactions of citizens
The discontent and frustration among Cubans has become evident in the comments left on the social networks of the Electrical Union. Journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso reported that the damage covers almost all of the provinces, including cuts in vital circuits in Matanzas.
On the official UNE channel, the comments reflect the despair of the population:
- “Bravo, we are already at 1500 now for the record of 2000, if we can get there,” wrote Silvio Ariel López Gattorno sarcastically.
- “Every day is the same, this is terrible, no one can stand it,” commented Mabel Padrón.
- «It’s too much already, there is no one who can resist this situation. And no solutions,” expressed Melisa García, reflecting the general feeling of frustration.
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