The National Electric System (SEN) in Cuba continues to experience significant disruptions, with no signs of improvement in either electricity generation or distribution. According to the official report by the Electric Union (UNE) dated July 2, 2025, the power service was interrupted throughout Tuesday and into early Wednesday morning. The highest recorded outage hit 1,672 megawatts (MW) at 9:50 p.m., coinciding with peak demand and exceeding initial forecasts. By 7:00 a.m., SEN's availability stood at 1,995 MW against a demand of 2,900 MW, resulting in a 925 MW shortfall. By midday, the shortfall was expected to be 880 MW.
Looking ahead to the evening peak, an availability of 2,055 MW is anticipated, with a maximum demand of 3,550 MW. If these conditions persist, the deficit might reach 1,495 MW, with an estimated impact of up to 1,565 MW. In recent days, the actual impact has surpassed UNE's forecasts. On Monday, for instance, the shortfall exceeded projections by nearly 200 MW due to the non-entry of units in Mariel and Nuevitas, and an unexpected outage at Energás Jaruco.
System Failures and Maintenance Challenges
Numerous failures plague the system: unit 3 of CTE Santa Cruz and unit 2 of CTE Felton are out of order, while unit 2 of Santa Cruz, unit 4 of Cienfuegos, and unit 5 of Renté are under maintenance. Thermal limitations are affecting 407 MW. Additionally, 99 distributed generation plants are offline due to fuel shortages (860 MW), and 20 MW are stalled due to lubricant scarcity. Only a recovery of 60 MW is expected during peak hours.
Renewable energy sources are also falling short. The 18 photovoltaic solar parks generated merely 1,698 megawatt-hours during the day, peaking at 404 MW at midday.
Despair in the Streets
While official reports highlight a technical crisis, the sentiment on the streets of Cuba extends beyond mere statistics: despair has taken hold as living conditions worsen. A recent report by the independent outlet Cubanet shares firsthand accounts from Havana, illustrating the social impact of prolonged blackouts. A woman recounted her children having to dine on bread with sugar water; another interviewee noted that in provinces such as Cienfuegos, Oriente, and Sancti Spíritus, power outages have lasted over 40 consecutive hours.
“Hope? We’re lost,” expressed a young man surveyed. “It's every man for himself,” another woman echoed, capturing the exhaustion and lack of expectations for improvement among the populace.
The Shadow of a Bleak Future
In the capital, power cuts can last up to eight hours daily, including overnight. Although authorities claim the disruptions are evenly distributed and urge residents to follow official channels, the public perception is one of a worsening situation with no solutions in sight. As summer begins, blackouts, food shortages, and social unrest are intensifying. For many Cubans, the darkness is not only literal but also emblematic of an increasingly uncertain future.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is the current status of Cuba's power availability?
Cuba is currently facing significant power shortages, with availability falling short of demand, leading to widespread blackouts.
How are power outages affecting daily life in Cuba?
The prolonged power outages are severely impacting daily life, causing distress among citizens who face disruptions in basic services and increased social unrest.
What are the main causes of the power outages in Cuba?
The outages are primarily due to technical failures, maintenance issues, fuel shortages, and the inability of renewable energy sources to meet demand.