This Thursday, Cuba is bracing for a severe day in its prolonged energy crisis, with an anticipated shortfall of 1,842 MW during the peak evening hours and an estimated impact of 1,872 MW during this time.
As a result, more than 62% of the nation will be plunged into darkness simultaneously.
The Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reported that as of 6:00 AM this Thursday, the National Electric System (SEN) had an availability of only 1,217 MW, while demand reached 2,110 MW, leaving 1,023 MW already affected since the early hours.
The situation on Wednesday offered no respite. "Yesterday, service was disrupted due to capacity shortfall throughout the entire day, and this disruption has continued into the early hours today. The peak impact due to generation capacity deficit yesterday was 1,671 MW at 8:20 PM."
Power outages have worsened across the island in recent months, exacerbated by a fuel shortage, especially following the halt in supply from Venezuela.
On Thursday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, during an official event at the intersection of 23rd and 12th in Vedado, Havana, acknowledged that Cuba is critically short of fuel for nearly everything, marking one of his starkest public admissions of the country's ongoing collapse.
This admission occurred during a speech commemorating the 65th anniversary of the declaration of the socialist nature of the Revolution and the Day of the Militiaman, an event replete with slogans that sharply contrasted with the gravity of Díaz-Canel's own description.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to a significant fuel shortage, worsened by the cessation of supplies from Venezuela. This has led to frequent power outages across the island.
How much of Cuba is affected by the power outages?
Over 62% of Cuba is expected to be affected by power outages, especially during peak evening hours.
What did Miguel Díaz-Canel say about the fuel shortage?
Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted that Cuba is critically short of fuel for almost everything, a rare public acknowledgment of the country's dire situation.