The Holguin Electric Utility is undertaking the repair of transformers as part of a strategy. Aimed at reducing the shortage of this equipment and minimizing disruptions to the public’s power supply, disruptions primarily caused by overloading.
The workshop currently has the supplies to repair up to 20 units. With a stable supply of raw materials. It could gradually scale up to recover 60 units per month. Explained Ulises Fuentes Noris, director of the Operations Center (a basic business unit within the utility), to the Cuban News Agency.
Approximately 120 transformers in the region are reported as damaged due to overloading. A result of both power generation deficits and an increased demand for high-consumption devices. Such as electric tricycles, electric scooters, and portable power stations (like EcoFlow units), amid the ongoing energy crisis. This information is tracked via a list that the provincial branch of the National Electric Union publishes and frequently updates on social media.
Repaired units are distributed according to an established priority system, based on the duration of the service outage. Which, in many cases, has exceeded 30 days, the official noted.
By reaching this repair rate provided that raw materials remain available, the unit could reduce the backlog to virtually zero within two months. This would alleviate strain on electrical circuits and decrease the frequency of outages. Making a crucial contribution to service stability in the region. As each rehabilitated unit can supply power to approximately 40 households, Fuentes Noris explained.
If this level of output can be consistently maintained, the region would be able to build up a reserve of transformers. This would allow for the installation of two units at the most heavily overloaded locations. While also enabling the implementation of scheduled maintenance cycles for existing equipment, added Fuentes Noris.
However, with supplies sufficient for only 20 units, the workshop could come to a standstill within two weeks, and the negative impact would continue to grow. So as blackouts persist and the number of hours with electricity decreases, the units currently in service are being operated beyond their capacity.
This repair line serves as a viable alternative, justified by the distance to the factory responsible for such work in eastern Cuba. Located in the municipality of Manzanillo, in Granma province.
Moreover the work carried out by this facility saves fuel that would otherwise be spent on transport to Manzanillo and speeds up response times. As the production capacity of the plant in Granma is strained by the demand from the entire eastern region. Noted Luis Gabriel Reinaldo Mendoza, the workshop manager.
Workers with experience in these tasks, rehired by the company. They are overseeing the training of staff and the standardization of the facility’s processes, Reinaldo Mendoza explained.
Damage to the units is primarily due to overloading and, in some cases, the theft of dielectric oil. This affects both units that serve the general population and, to an even greater extent. Those used for agricultural water pumping and municipal water supply systems.
Although these units have a service life of 10 to 12 years, the current situation limits their operation and shortens the intervals between maintenance. A process that depends on the availability of fuel, functional vehicles, personnel, and necessary resources.
While the strategy adopted does not resolve the challenges stemming from energy shortages. It does shorten the time required to replace units damaged by excessive load. With the necessary supplies and logistical support, this approach could help solve one of the sector’s most significant problems in the province.
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