The Havana Electric Company has issued a warning that if the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) does not improve, there could be unscheduled power outages due to "Energy Contingency." This measure is a response to the ongoing generation shortfall and system instability.
This alert comes after a day of continuous power disruptions across the country, with significant generation deficits anticipated during peak hours.
According to the SEN's Informative Note from Saturday, January 31, 2026, the previous day's highest shortage due to lack of generation capacity hit 1916 MW at 6:20 PM.
As of 6:00 AM on the 31st, the available capacity was only 1160 MW against a demand of 1995 MW, resulting in 830 MW being impacted. By midday, an impact of 1150 MW was expected.
The report highlights significant issues at several thermoelectric units: Unit 5 of the CTE Mariel, Unit 5 of Nuevitas, Unit 2 of the CTE Felton, and Units 3 and 6 of the CTE Antonio Maceo.
Additionally, maintenance work is ongoing at Unit 3 of the CTE Santa Cruz, Unit 4 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Cienfuegos), and the CTE Antonio Guiteras, leading to thermal generation limitations with 366 MW currently offline.
Furthermore, Unit 2 of the CTE Ernesto Guevara de la Serna was out of service in the morning due to a turbine regulation system failure.
Peak Hour Forecast
The forecast for peak demand is 3040 MW, with only 1160 MW available, resulting in a potential deficit of 1880 MW. Should these conditions persist, an impact of 1910 MW is anticipated during peak hours.
The Havana Electric Company noted that on the previous day, the capital experienced service disruptions starting at 5:45 PM. The "maximum sufficiency" reached 380 MW at 6:20 PM, and due to "EMERGENCY," there was an 80 MW impact.
Service was restored by 11:25 PM, and at the note's closure, no deficit-induced disruptions were reported, though the company stressed that the situation could change without improved SEN availability.
Customers are urged to stay informed through official channels or the 18888 hotline (Telephone Assistance Center), as disruptions may vary, and unscheduled outages could occur if availability worsens.
In Santiago de Cuba, electrical authorities describe a critical situation marked by breakdowns and maintenance, with service rotated among four blocks and reduced availability ranging from 3 to 6 hours depending on load. They also warn of decreased photovoltaic support if weather conditions deteriorate.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing power outages primarily due to a deficit in energy generation capacity and instability within the National Electric System (SEN). Maintenance and breakdowns in key thermoelectric units exacerbate the situation.
How can Cuban citizens stay informed about power outages?
Citizens are advised to stay updated through official communication channels of the Havana Electric Company and use the 18888 hotline for real-time information on power disruptions.
What measures are being taken to address the energy shortage?
Efforts are focused on repairing and maintaining thermoelectric units, although the ongoing energy crisis requires broader systemic solutions and improvements in generation capacity.