The Christmas Eve of 2025 in Cuba is set to be overshadowed by the absence of light in households across the nation.
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) has announced that the country's power grid is grappling with a severe generation shortfall, leading to widespread blackouts that will impact millions of Cubans during the festive season.
According to a statement from UNE, on December 23, the electrical service was disrupted for the entire day, peaking at a significant 2,184 MW outage at 6:30 pm, nearly reaching a record high.
On December 24, the available capacity of the National Electric System (SEN) was a mere 1,320 MW at 6:00 am, while demand soared to 2,294 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 988 MW.
During peak hours, an estimated 1,150 MW of power will be unavailable.
UNE has attributed these outages to a series of structural issues, including breakdowns in four thermoelectric units located at the Antonio Maceo (Renté) plant in Santiago de Cuba, Mariel, Felton, and Diez de Octubre (Nuevitas), along with maintenance work on three units at the Mariel, Santa Cruz, and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Cienfuegos) plants.
Additionally, there are limitations in thermal generation, accounting for 536 MW out of service, compounded by fuel shortages affecting 1,151 MW among distributed plants, the Moa Fuel Station, and lubricant deficiencies.
For the peak period, the return of unit 6 at the CTE Mariel with 20 MW is anticipated, currently in the process of ramping up its load.
Despite these efforts, the forecast remains grim: a mere 1,340 MW of availability, just over a third of the peak demand (3,300 MW), resulting in a deficit of 1,960 MW and a projected impact of 1,990 MW.
Solar power generation, even with the addition of 33 new photovoltaic parks and the production of 2,418 MWh, manages to supply only 479 MW during peak hours, insufficient to meet demand, highlighting the country's reliance on outdated infrastructure and the government's inability to ensure a stable power supply.
In Havana, the capital's Electric Company confirmed that on Tuesday, due to low generation availability, the planned schedule could not be maintained.
The city experienced 14 hours and 29 minutes of power cuts, with a peak of 435 MW at 6:30 pm. At the time of this report, blocks 3, 4, 5, and 6 remain affected.
The company delivered the worst possible news for this time of year:
"Due to low generation availability, we inform our users that today we will NOT be able to adhere to the planned schedule," the alert stated.
"Several blocks will be affected by EMERGENCY, and as SEN requirements allow, the blocks will be rotated based on the duration of the impact," it concluded.
Cubans have taken to social media to express their frustration over the vulnerability of the energy infrastructure and the government's inability to ensure essential basic services, even during holidays like Christmas Eve and Christmas, as the population is forced to endure extended blackouts that prevent any celebration.
The people of Cuba must brace for a Christmas defined by darkness and uncertainty, while experts emphasize that the measures depend solely on the "availability of generation," and the regime fails to offer solutions.
Cuba's Power Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What is causing the widespread power outages in Cuba?
The power outages are caused by a generation shortfall due to breakdowns in thermoelectric units, maintenance work, thermal generation limitations, fuel shortages, and outdated infrastructure.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The government has not provided effective solutions to the energy crisis, with experts indicating that measures depend on the availability of generation rather than comprehensive policy changes.
How are these outages affecting daily life in Cuba?
The outages are causing significant disruptions to daily life, preventing celebrations and access to essential services, leading to widespread frustration among the Cuban population.