Over the years, Cuba has struggled with an ongoing energy crisis, and this Saturday marks another alarming peak. According to the official report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), the anticipated shortfall in power generation for today's peak hours is projected to hit 1,977 MW. This staggering number surpasses the previous record set last April when the deficit reached 1,901 MW.
In practical terms, this means more than half the country could be left without electricity during peak demand, highlighting a new low in the technical collapse of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN), which increasingly fails to meet the basic needs of the population.
The Growing Energy Deficit
As of 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, only 1,580 MW were available against a demand of 2,900 MW, resulting in an immediate shortfall of 1,357 MW. This deficit was expected to persist and even grow to 1,550 MW by midday. By evening, demand is projected to reach 3,600 MW, with only 1,693 MW available, leading to a deficit of 1,907 MW and a final impact of 1,977 MW if current conditions persist.
State enterprise data reveal a disturbing increase in the deficit over recent weeks, reflecting a declining energy production.
Technical Failures and Resource Shortages
The technical report presents a bleak outlook: Units 5 and 6 of the CTE Mariel, Unit 6 of the CTE Nuevitas, and Unit 2 of the CTE Felton remain out of service due to breakdowns. Maintenance continues on Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 4 of Cienfuegos, and Unit 5 of Renté.
Thermal limitations are affecting 383 MW, while fuel shortages have left 73 distributed generation plants (618 MW) non-operational, alongside an additional 61 MW due to issues at the Regla barge and lack of oil.
Renewable Energy's Minimal Impact
Despite having 18 solar photovoltaic parks, their contribution remains minimal: only 1,520 MWh were generated yesterday, with a peak of 303 MW, insufficient to fill the gap left by thermal collapse and fossil fuel scarcity.
This catastrophic scenario exceeds even the most pessimistic recent forecasts. On Friday, UNE reported an estimated impact of 1,870 MW, then considered the third worst in years. On June 21, the deficit was 1,770 MW, and on April 23, the previous record of 1,901 MW was reported.
The Harsh Reality for Cuban Citizens
The trend is clear: every week, the deficit grows, response capacity declines, and citizens endure longer blackouts, extended to 24 consecutive hours in several provinces. Even Havana, traditionally shielded, now faces routine scheduled outages.
In response, the Cuban regime has offered superficial measures such as the "Energía Joven" youth expedition aimed at "explaining" the recovery plan and promoting conservation. However, the public is not in need of propaganda or platitudes but rather tangible solutions: operational generators, assured fuel, and a modicum of institutional transparency.
Today's figure—1,977 MW of impact—is not just a statistic. It is the extreme symptom of a broken system, of a nation ensnared in a darkness that is not only energetic but also political, economic, and social.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to outdated infrastructure, technical failures, and a shortage of resources, including fuel and oil. These factors have led to frequent and prolonged power outages across the country.
How does the power deficit impact Cuban citizens?
The power deficit results in extended blackouts, sometimes lasting up to 24 hours, disrupting daily life and economic activities. Even traditionally protected areas like Havana are experiencing regular outages.