On Sunday, June 22, the National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba faced yet another critical day, with an electricity generation shortfall reaching 1,880 MW, as reported on social media by the Electric Union (UNE). This figure, recorded at 9:00 PM, marks the second-largest blackout in the nation's recent energy history, surpassing the state-controlled entity's forecast by 110 MW.
The UNE itself admitted that the impact exceeded expectations due to higher-than-forecasted demand and the unexpected shutdown of unit 1 at the Santa Cruz Thermal Power Plant (CTE), leaving the nation in a precarious state throughout Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday. At 7:00 AM today, available capacity was just 1,820 MW, while demand surged to 2,958 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,138 MW. By midday, a 1,150 MW shortfall was anticipated.
During the evening peak, with projected demand at 3,500 MW and no new units expected to come online, an impact of up to 1,750 MW is expected, once again pushing the country to the brink of an energy collapse.
Systemic Failures and the Growing Energy Crisis
Official data indicates a loss of 837 MW solely from distributed generation, with 93 power plants offline due to fuel shortages and an additional 92 MW unavailable due to a lack of engine oil. Moreover, five thermal units are out of commission due to maintenance or malfunctions, including those at Mariel, Felton, Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté.
Despite reports of 1,808 MWh produced by 16 solar parks, this contribution remains largely symbolic against the backdrop of a structural deficit.
Historical Perspective and Public Skepticism
Official journalist José Miguel Solís shared a historical analysis on Facebook, highlighting that Saturday's blackout ranks as the second-largest ever, exceeded only by the 1,901 MW deficit on April 23. Of the 12 largest shortfalls in recent history, five occurred in April 2025, and three in June, indicating a growing pattern of systematic collapse.
Many Cubans accuse the UNE of providing inaccurate, doctored, or even fictitious figures to mask the true scale of the energy crisis. Distrust is exacerbated by the absence of tangible solutions and the perception that the blackouts are more severe than official reports suggest.
Meanwhile, life on the island flickers between candles, frustration, and anger. Cuba descends further into prolonged and perilous darkness, with no visible way out.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the current energy crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to high demand exceeding generation capacity, unexpected shutdowns of key power units, and shortages of fuel and oil, exacerbated by systemic failures and lack of maintenance.
How significant is the contribution from solar energy in Cuba's power grid?
Despite the generation of 1,808 MWh from solar parks, this remains largely symbolic in the face of the substantial and ongoing structural energy deficit.
Why do many Cubans distrust the UNE's reports?
Cubans often suspect that the UNE's figures are inaccurate or manipulated to downplay the severity of the crisis, leading to a widespread lack of confidence in the official reports.