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Cuban Electric Union Reports Slight Improvement in Power Deficit, Blackouts Persist

Saturday, June 7, 2025 by Oscar Fernandez

The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) announced on Thursday a minor improvement in the deficit of the National Electric System (SEN), yet the country continues to endure significant disruptions in electricity service. According to the official report, blackouts persisted throughout the previous day, peaking at 1196 MW at 8:10 pm, which wasn't even during the hour of highest demand, highlighting the system's structural weaknesses. The disruption continued throughout the early morning hours.

By 7:00 am, the SEN's availability was a mere 2050 MW against a demand of 2750 MW, resulting in a 700 MW shortfall due to capacity constraints. Rather than stabilizing, the situation is expected to worsen throughout the day, with a predicted disruption of 800 MW during midday. For peak hours, the projection is for an availability of 2110 MW with a demand of 3200 MW, leading to an estimated deficit of 1090 MW, potentially causing blackouts of up to 1160 MW if conditions persist.

System Strained by Breakdowns, Maintenance, and Fuel Shortages

The SEN is plagued by numerous structural failures: Two units are down at CTE Felton and Renté. Additionally, extended maintenance is affecting four blocks at CTE Mariel, Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté. Thermal limitations have led to an additional 347 MW being out of service.

Fuel Crisis: Forty-seven distributed generation plants remain inactive due to fuel shortages, resulting in 411 MW being offline, with an additional 145 MW stalled due to a lack of engine oil, bringing the total affected by this cause to 556 MW. While the introduction of Unit 6 at CTE Renté with just 60 MW is anticipated, this addition is merely symbolic against the overwhelming capacity deficit.

Underutilized Solar Energy Potential

Amid this crisis, solar parks contribute only a small fraction to the system: 13 photovoltaic parks provide a total of 1133 MWh, with a maximum output of 208 MW during midday. Despite repeated government promises to boost renewable energy, official data shows little progress in that direction.

Although the deficit is smaller than in previous days, the official figures contradict any notion of recovery. Cuban citizens continue to suffer blackouts exceeding 20 hours in some areas, severely impacting food preservation, water access, and the operation of hospitals and schools, along with affecting the physical and mental health of millions. Meanwhile, the regime presents technical reports as a sign of control, when in reality, daily updates have become public confirmations of a perpetual energy collapse.

After years of "updating the energy model," substantial foreign loans, and speeches about technological sovereignty, Cuba's electrical system remains reliant on aging plants, endless maintenance, fuel imports, and an increasingly fragile generation structure. And while the UNE attempts to mitigate the impact with figures and forecasts, the reality in homes, hospitals, and schools across the nation remains unchanged: darkness prevails, and a solution is nowhere in sight.

Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Energy Crisis

What is causing the persistent blackouts in Cuba?

Cuba's ongoing blackouts are primarily due to structural weaknesses in the National Electric System, including breakdowns, prolonged maintenance, and fuel shortages.

How is the fuel crisis impacting Cuba's power supply?

The fuel crisis has led to 47 distributed generation plants being offline, contributing to a significant power deficit and exacerbating the blackout situation.

What role does solar energy play in Cuba's energy crisis?

Solar energy contributes a small fraction to Cuba's power supply, with only 13 photovoltaic parks providing limited electricity, indicating an underutilized potential for renewable energy development.

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