The decision, which affects the minister’s agenda for schools, came into effect on the same day the failure of a major power plant caused a complete power outage in the country, reducing the country’s energy coverage to “zero.” , according to the state-owned company Unión Eléctrica (UNE), which is dependent on the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem).
According to the latest UNE report, SEN is currently in an “initial” recovery process to gradually restore supplies.
EFE revealed that the Ministry of Education today reported the suspension of activities at all school levels, while other state institutions, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also canceled scheduled meetings and events with diplomats. .
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero made an unusual appearance on state television the day before announcing that government directives paralyzing non-essential economic and labor activities and imposing remote work had been approved in the face of the current energy crisis. did. .
“In a situation that has worsened in recent days, additional directives have been issued paralyzing all state activities that are not strictly essential,” Marrero said.
He said the aim of promoting savings would also include general disconnection of vacant lots and turning off high-energy consumers such as refrigerators, ovens and refrigerators during so-called “peak hours” when demand is highest. said. And guarantee electricity generation to the people.
According to a report by Union Electrica (UNE), the state-owned company that relies on MINEM, the SEN crisis worsened last week, with its effects being the largest this year, with simultaneous power outages affecting almost 51% of the country.
This meant the power outage affected more than half of the island at the same time, causing power outages of up to 20 hours a day in some provinces.
For this Friday, we predicted a 49% impact in the evening, when consumption increases.
Given the situation, which is classified as an “energy emergency,” island authorities said they were working to restore service “as soon as possible.”
Cuba’s electricity system is highly inefficient due to frequent breakdowns in the production units of its seven thermoelectric power plants, aging due to more than 40 years of use, and chronic lack of investment and maintenance. It is in stable condition. In addition to this, there is a shortage of imported fuel (diesel and heavy oil) and foreign currency.
Power outages have been frequent for years, but since the end of August the situation has worsened, reaching levels similar to the worst periods such as earlier this year and July and August of 2021 and 2022. .
In recent years, the Cuban government has leased several floating power plants to ease the electricity generation capacity shortage.
Frequent power outages are hurting Cuba’s economy (economic growth contracted by 1.9% in 2023, still below 2019 levels) and social This is increasing dissatisfaction.
Source: EFE.
