This Monday, the official report from the Electric Union of Cuba forecasts a staggering 2,220 MW power shortage during the nighttime peak, which means cutting electricity to roughly two-thirds of the nation.
At 6:00 AM, the National Electric System (SEN) had a mere availability of 1,160 MW against a demand of 2,790 MW, with 1,630 MW already disrupted since early morning. By noon, the anticipated shortfall is estimated at 1,600 MW.
Severe Strain on Cuba's Power System
The condition of the SEN on Sunday was equally dire.
"Yesterday, the service was affected by a capacity deficit throughout the entire 24 hours and continued to be impacted during the early morning hours. The maximum shortage due to generation capacity deficit reached 2,223 MW at 8:10 PM," the report states.
For this Monday's nighttime peak, the state-run entity projects an availability of 1,160 MW against a maximum demand of 3,350 MW, resulting in a 2,190 MW deficit. The forecasted shortfall of 2,220 MW accounts for 66.3% of the total demand.
Thermoelectric Plants and Maintenance Issues
Several thermoelectric plants remain out of operation. Units five and six at the Mariel power plant, unit one at Santa Cruz, unit two at Felton, and unit six at Renté are currently out of service due to failures.
Meanwhile, units under maintenance include unit three at Santa Cruz, unit five at Nuevitas, and unit five at Renté. These thermal generation limitations add up to 447 MW.
On Sunday, solar photovoltaic energy contributed 3,476 MWh, peaking at 540 MW at noon. However, this remains insufficient to cover the nighttime high-demand periods.
A Grim Outlook for Cuba's Energy Crisis
Last week painted a bleak picture. Sunday saw a peak disruption of 2,125 MW, while last Tuesday reached 2,310 MW, with 604 MW specifically affected in Havana. By Friday, some municipalities in the capital endured interruptions lasting up to 35 hours and five minutes.
This deterioration is set against the backdrop of Cuba's worst energy year in decades. So far in 2026, the country has experienced at least seven total collapses of the SEN, the longest on March 16, when the island was plunged into darkness for 29 hours and 29 minutes.
The year's record deficit was noted on August 5 with a 2,411 MW shortfall, a benchmark the system is dangerously close to matching.
Understanding Cuba's Power Crisis
What is causing Cuba's massive power shortage?
Cuba's power shortage is primarily due to a combination of outdated infrastructure, maintenance issues, and failures in several thermoelectric plants, along with insufficient alternative energy sources to meet demand.
How does the power shortage affect daily life in Cuba?
The power shortage results in widespread blackouts, affecting households, businesses, and essential services, disrupting daily activities, and impacting the overall quality of life.
What measures is Cuba taking to address the energy crisis?
Cuba is attempting to address the energy crisis by performing maintenance on existing power plants, seeking international assistance, and exploring alternative energy sources like solar power, although these efforts have been insufficient so far.