The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) announced on Monday a shortfall exceeding 1,000 megawatts (MW) during peak nighttime hours, with widespread outages across the island and the eastern regions still largely in darkness due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
According to the official report from the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) for November 3, 2025, the available generation capacity is 1,639 MW against an estimated demand of 2,650 MW. This results in a deficit of 1,011 MW and a projected impact of 1,081 MW during the evening.
Earlier in the day, the UNE reported an availability of only 1,349 MW compared to a demand of 2,025 MW, with a capacity shortfall affecting 688 MW. Key issues include breakdowns in Units 1 and 2 of the CTE Felton (Holguín) and Unit 5 of the CTE Diez de Octubre, alongside scheduled maintenance at the Santa Cruz and Cienfuegos plants.
Adding to the generational crisis are restrictions due to a shortage of fuel and lubricants, which have sidelined over 500 MW in distributed generation, as well as 488 MW of thermal capacity hampered by technical issues.
Power Struggles in Havana
In Havana, the Electric Company reported that service was disrupted starting at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, with a peak of 206 MW at 7:00 p.m., partially restored by 4:07 a.m. on Monday. Nonetheless, a rotating blackout schedule remains in effect from 10:00 a.m. until the early hours of Tuesday, November 4.
Eastern Cuba's Continued Disconnection
The actual nationwide deficit surpasses 1,050 MW when accounting for over 50 MW still offline due to large parts of eastern Cuba remaining without power. Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted that service restoration in Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas is "complicated" by severe damage to distribution networks and high-tension lines following Hurricane Melissa.
In Granma, only 17% of residents have electricity; in Guantánamo, 34%; while Las Tunas is slowly reconnecting circuits. The supply to this region remains disrupted due to the fall of six high-tension towers between Cueto and Bayamo, according to the minister.
Promises Amid Persistent Outages
The UNE had previously warned that eastern Cuba might be without electricity for at least 15 days, a forecast that—given the current situation—could extend much longer.
Despite claims from the regime that "all thermoelectric plants from Camagüey to Artemisa are operational," residents report daily blackouts lasting over 10 hours in several provinces. In the east, crews face cable theft, micro-hydroelectric plant flooding, and material shortages, which have delayed recovery efforts.
Meanwhile, the National Defense Council, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, urged "intensive work" to rehabilitate services. However, for millions of Cubans, official statements starkly contrast with the harsh reality of persistent darkness, outages, and shortages affecting the entire island.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What caused the current power shortages in Cuba?
The power shortages in Cuba are primarily due to a combination of factors including technical breakdowns, scheduled maintenance, and a lack of fuel and lubricants. Additionally, damage from Hurricane Melissa has significantly impacted the eastern regions.
Which areas are most affected by the blackouts?
Eastern regions such as Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Guantánamo, and Las Tunas are severely affected, with large portions remaining without electricity due to damage from Hurricane Melissa.
How is the Cuban government responding to the electricity crisis?
The government, through the National Defense Council, has called for intensive efforts to restore services, although resources are limited and challenges such as cable theft and material shortages persist.
What is the outlook for power restoration in Cuba?
The outlook for power restoration remains uncertain, with previous warnings indicating prolonged outages, especially in the east. Full recovery could take longer than anticipated due to ongoing challenges.