This Friday, Cuba is bracing for another day of widespread power outages with no relief in sight. According to a report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), at 6:00 am, the National Electric System (SEN) could only deliver 940 MW against a demand of 2,710 MW, leaving a shortfall of 1,770 MW.
Thursday's situation was no better, with service disruptions lasting 24 hours, including overnight, and reaching a peak deficit of 2,321 MW by 9:30 pm. This figure exceeded the anticipated 2,240 MW shortfall as admitted by UNE.
Dire Energy Outlook for the Evening
By midday on Friday, an impact of 1,600 MW is expected, but the forecast for the evening is even more dire. The state-run company predicts that during peak hours, demand could rise to 3,200 MW while supply remains at 940 MW. This would result in a shortage of 2,260 MW and a projected impact of 2,290 MW—nearing the historic high of 2,341 MW recorded on July 10.
This grim scenario means millions of Cubans will experience another night without electricity or water, with little hope that the regime will provide a real solution.
Technical Failures and System Breakdown
The system's technical condition reflects years of neglect. Units 6 and 8 at CTE Mariel, CTE Guiteras in Matanzas, block 2 of CTE Felton in Holguín, and block 3 of CTE Renté in Santiago de Cuba are currently out of service due to failures. Additionally, four units at CTE Santa Cruz, Nuevitas, and Renté are under maintenance, further limiting thermal generation by 307 MW.
On Thursday, the 54 solar photovoltaic parks generated 4,641 MWh, peaking at 651 MW around noon.
Systemic Issues Ignored for Decades
This Friday is a direct continuation of a crisis that has worsened dramatically in July, with Cuba experiencing three total SEN collapses within just eight days—on July 6, 10, and 14—marking the tenth full blackout in about 24 months.
The latest total collapse on Tuesday, July 14 at 11:05 am, was triggered by the unexpected shutdown of unit 1 at the Felton thermoelectric plant, leading to a cascading disconnection of the entire network. Although UNE declared the system "restored" by 7:00 am on July 15, many Cubans across the country reported continued outages hours later.
These issues are structural, and the regime has neglected them for decades: the thermoelectric plants are over 40 years old with no major maintenance. Expert Jorge Piñón estimates Cuba would need between $8 billion and $10 billion over three to five years to structurally resolve the crisis.
External Factors Complicating the Crisis
Compounding the issue, Venezuela halted oil shipments in November, Russian supplies ran out this past April, and Mexico stopped its shipments in January.
Meanwhile, the government's response has been notably inadequate. Miguel Díaz-Canel's only action was to suggest "better organization" of the blackouts without announcing any measures to increase power generation.
Social tension is escalating alongside the blackouts. On Friday, Cubalex reported the detention of at least six individuals following a spontaneous protest in Loma del Chivo, Guantánamo, directly sparked by the prolonged power cuts.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Energy Crisis
Why is Cuba experiencing severe power outages?
Cuba is facing severe power outages due to an outdated and poorly maintained energy infrastructure, compounded by reduced international oil supplies and systemic neglect by the government.
What steps are being taken to resolve the energy crisis in Cuba?
As of now, the government's response has been minimal. There have been no significant measures announced to increase power generation or modernize the infrastructure.
What has been the impact of the power outages on Cuban citizens?
The power outages have left millions of Cubans without electricity and water, substantially affecting their daily lives and increasing social unrest, as seen in spontaneous protests.