Cuba reports significant progress in the recovery of the National Power Grid (SEN) following its total disconnection on Monday, March 16. According to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the grid is now interconnected from the province of Pinar del Río all the way to Holguín, achieved through the synchronization of various power plants and generating units nationwide.
Davielquis Cortina Coba, Director of the Provincial Load Dispatch Center for the Holguín Electric Company, explained that the connection of the eastern region was achieved around 6:00 a.m. local time. This was made possible through the 110-kilovolt and 220-kilovolt transmission lines that link the province to the national system.
Concurrently, various generating plants began synchronizing with the electrical system. Among these are units at the *Energías* plants in Varadero and Jaruco; Unit 3 of the *Ernesto Che Guevara* Thermoelectric Power Plant, located in Mayabeque (east of Havana); and Unit 8 of the *Mariel* plant, which is currently in the startup process.
Units at other thermoelectric plants across the country also commenced operations, including Unit 3 in Cienfuegos. Unit 4 of that same facility—which had been out of service for maintenance since last year—has now rejoined the system, contributing over 100 megawatts of generation capacity. In the province of Holguín, the restoration process allowed for the synchronization of diesel-based generation at Nipe and other local systems. This made it possible to begin restoring electricity service in a controlled manner.
Currently, Holguín is maintaining a served load of approximately 50 megawatts, prioritizing vital facilities such as hospitals, water pumping systems, production centers, and essential services for the population.
Authorities are also working to prepare for the future synchronization of wind farms in the Nipe region and nearby areas, once the necessary technical conditions are met. Regarding the Felton Thermoelectric Power Plant—one of the major facilities in eastern Cuba—specialists are conducting technical work preparatory to the unit’s startup, a process that could begin during the afternoon hours of this Tuesday.
If these operations are successfully completed, the plant could be synchronized with the national power grid during the evening peak demand hours. Energy authorities noted that the system remains fragile due to low generation availability; consequently, the restoration of service will continue to be carried out gradually, prioritizing strategic sectors.
In Havana, service restoration is proceeding gradually, as permitted by the operational conditions of the National Electric System (SEN). As of 7:06 a.m. local time this Tuesday, the Havana Electric Company (EELH) reported that 89 distribution circuits have been restored, benefiting 269,367 customers—representing 31 percent of the city. Furthermore, electricity supply has been secured for approximately 37 hospitals and two water supply centers, ensuring the continuity of vital services for the population.
For its part, the General Directorate of Education announced that educational centers and daycare facilities are maintaining their instructional activities during the morning session this Tuesday, urging families to follow official announcements for updates. This measure aims to minimize the impact on education and the daily routines of young children during the emergency.
The province of Las Tunas successfully reconnected to the National Electric System (SEN) at 1:09 a.m. this Tuesday. A significant milestone during this process was the synchronization of key distributed generation units—such as the fuel oil plant in Delicias and the diesel generator sets in the provincial capital—aimed at providing stability to the national grid.
Prior to full interconnection, the province operated via an electrical microsystem that enabled the maintenance of essential services. Thanks to this effort, electricity supply was secured for critical institutions—including the Guillermo Domínguez General Teaching Hospital, the Raymundo Castro Morales Municipal Pediatric Hospital, and the Blood Bank—thereby prioritizing healthcare services while the gradual recovery process continues throughout the rest of the territory.
IMAGE CREDIT: Following the total disconnection of the National Power Grid (SEN)—which occurred at noon on Monday, March 16—the Ministry of Energy and Mines announced substantial progress in restoration efforts. Photo: EFE
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
