Up to 70% of Cuba to Lose Power During Saturday Evening Peak

Up to 70% of Cuba could be without electricity at the same time during Saturday’s evening peak, according to figures from the state Union of Electricity, known as UNE.

The Cuban government has described the condition of the island’s national power system as critical. The average Cuban is currently spending many more hours without electricity than with it.

For the peak period, UNE expects to have 1,000 megawatts of generation available against maximum demand of 3,250 megawatts. The estimated power cut, intended to prevent uncontrolled blackouts, is 2,280 megawatts.

“

critical

Nine of Cuba’s 16 thermal-generation units are out of service because of breakdowns or maintenance. Thermal plants account for 40% of the country’s energy mix and frequently suffer failures after decades of operation without the necessary investment.

Generation engines, which also account for 40% of the energy mix, have been forced to stop because of a lack of imported diesel and fuel oil, the article says. The remaining 20% comes from gas and renewable sources, particularly solar power, which has recently received Chinese support.

Independent experts attribute the crisis to a combination of chronic underfunding and the current U.S. blockade. The Cuban government emphasizes the effect of U.S. sanctions and accuses Washington of causing “energy suffocation” on the island.

“

energy suffocation