14ymedio, Havana 13 February 2024 — The generation deficit predicted by the Electric Union (UNE) broke a new record on Tuesday, with the announcement that 1,308 megawatts (MW) and up to 1,378 MW at peak hours will be missing. Cubans already know what that means: the climax of the energetic debacle after several weeks of blackouts, despite being in the coolest season of the year. Complaints have erupted on the company’s social networks.
According to the UNE, unit 2 of the Felton thermoelectric plant, in Holguín, and unit 5 of Renté, in Santiago de Cuba, are out of service due to a breakdown. Likewise, unit 8 of Mariel (Artemisa), unit 3 of Santa Cruz (Mayabeque) and unit 4 of Cienfuegos are under maintenance.
During peak hours, the company says, four generators of the Turkish patana [floating power plant] of Melones, located in Havana Bay, with 65 MW and 27 MW respectively, will come online. The system relies on these generators, but the sum does not even cover the deficit in thermal generation, which amounts to 338 MW.
On the UNE Facebook page, users do not let up on the company, which “every day (announces) less generation availability”
On the UNE Facebook page, users do not let up on the company, which “every day (announces) less generation availability,” with forecasts that fall short in the face of reality. This was the case on Monday, when the UNE reported a deficit of 1,033 MW that became 1,183 MW. “San Antonio de los Baños, as always, was at the forefront, from 8 pm to 12 am, and at 5 am we began the cycle again and are still waiting,” complained a netizen from Artemisa, alluding to the intense day of blackouts on Monday.
Residents in Granma, Holguín, Matanzas an