This past Thursday, the Electric Union (UNE) announced a significant disruption to Cuba’s National Electric System. At precisely 2:48 PM, Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Plant in Cienfuegos ceased operations due to a malfunction in the generator's voltage regulator.
This incident comes at an extremely challenging time for the Cuban electrical grid. Just a day earlier, the nation experienced a record-breaking deficit of 2,341 MW. UNE anticipated a 2,260 MW shortfall during peak hours on Thursday, with only 935 MW available against a demand of 3,100 MW.
The state-run company shared the news of the breakdown through a brief social media post: "At 2:48 PM, Unit 4 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes is out of the electrical system due to a failure in the generator voltage regulator."
Earlier this week, at 8:40 PM on Tuesday, Unit 3 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes thermoelectric plant was synchronized following a massive blackout on Monday. This blackout marked the seventh complete disconnection from the National Electric System within 18 months, and the third in 2026.
The shutdown of Unit 4 in Cienfuegos adds to a growing list of failures that keep the National Electric System teetering on the brink of continuous collapse.
According to UNE's report from Wednesday, several other units were already out of service, including units 5, 6, and 8 of the Máximo Gómez plant in Mariel, unit 1 of the Antonio Guiteras plant in Matanzas, unit 6 of the Diez de Octubre plant in Nuevitas, and unit 2 of the Felton plant in Holguín.
Additionally, there are units undergoing maintenance: unit 3 of the Habana plant, unit 5 of the Nuevitas plant, and units 5 and 6 of the Renté plant, resulting in 255 MW of unavailable capacity.
Although the nationwide reconnection was completed by early Wednesday morning following the total blackout on Monday, technical restoration did not eliminate power outages. As of 6 AM Wednesday, only 1,000 MW was available to meet a demand of 2,750 MW.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Power Grid Crisis
What caused the outage at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes plant?
The outage was caused by a failure in the generator's voltage regulator at Unit 4 of the plant.
How severe is the current power deficit in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a significant power deficit, with a recent shortfall of 2,341 MW and an anticipated peak deficit of 2,260 MW against a demand of 3,100 MW.
Which other units are out of service in Cuba?
Units 5, 6, and 8 of the Máximo Gómez plant, unit 1 of the Antonio Guiteras plant, unit 6 of the Diez de Octubre plant, and unit 2 of the Felton plant are currently out of service.