On December 2, 2025, Cuba is once again experiencing widespread blackouts due to a severe crisis in its National Electric System (SEN), which is currently facing a power generation shortfall exceeding 2,000 megawatts (MW), according to the official report from the Cuban Electric Union (UNE).
The previous day saw continuous power outages for 24 hours, with the peak deficit reaching 2,105 MW at 7:00 PM.
The electricity production from the 33 newly established solar photovoltaic parks reached 2,623 megawatt-hours (MWh), with a maximum output of 448 MW. This output was insufficient to compensate for the decline in thermal generation and the ongoing fuel shortages.
As of 6 AM on Monday, the SEN's availability stood at 1,240 MW, while the demand was 2,398 MW, resulting in an impact of 1,167 MW.
Power Outages and System Failures
By midday, the projected shortage was estimated at 1,300 MW. The UNE highlighted key issues, such as malfunctions in Unit 2 of the Felton thermoelectric plant and Unit 3 of the Renté plant. Additionally, maintenance activities were reported in Unit 5 of Mariel, Unit 2 of Santa Cruz, and Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Cienfuegos) thermoelectric plant, as well as at the gas treatment plant of Energás Puerto Escondido.
Distributed generation has been significantly impacted, with 102 power plants — totaling 914 MW — out of service due to fuel shortages, and another 72 MW unavailable because of a lack of lubricants.
Challenges in Havana
In Havana, the Electric Company reported that electricity service was disrupted throughout the previous day, with a peak impact of 499 MW at 6:30 PM.
The inability to restore power was attributed to the low availability of the system, necessitating an interruption of the scheduled plans. At the time the report was concluded, Blocks 1, 2, 3, and 4 remained out of service, collectively affecting 151 MW.
During peak hours, the UNE forecasts an availability of 1,465 MW against a maximum demand of 3,300 MW, which would result in a deficit of 1,835 MW and outages affecting up to 1,905 MW, or possibly more, across the country.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing the power shortages in Cuba?
The power shortages in Cuba are primarily due to the severe crisis in the National Electric System, marked by a shortfall in power generation capacity exceeding 2,000 MW. This crisis is exacerbated by fuel shortages and system failures in key power plants.
How are solar parks contributing to Cuba's power supply?
Cuba's new solar photovoltaic parks have contributed 2,623 MWh with a maximum output of 448 MW. However, this contribution is still insufficient to make up for the losses in thermal generation and the ongoing fuel shortages.
What are the main challenges facing electricity generation in Cuba?
The main challenges include malfunctions and maintenance needs in key power plants, fuel and lubricant shortages, and the resultant inability to meet the electricity demand.