The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) revealed on Friday that several thermal power units have resumed operations and new solar parks have been integrated into the National Electric System. This announcement, broadcasted by the state-controlled Channel Caribe, was used by the regime to claim "zero blackouts" in Havana due to generation deficits. However, the city's own electric data contradicted this narrative.
According to the official report, the Mariel Unit C was reactivated with more than 95 MW—"almost at its design capacity" after a long period offline—alongside two CESPE units, two units of the Santa Cruz del Norte thermoelectric plant, one in Nuevitas, and the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas, all contributing power to the system.
On the solar front, the recently inaugurated El Algarrobo park in Guantánamo was connected to the national grid, pushing Cuba's installed photovoltaic capacity past 1,000 MW.
Unmasking the Energy Crisis
Despite the optimistic tone, the official report exposed the true extent of the crisis: the estimated availability for that Friday was merely 1,300 MW against a national demand ranging from 2,850 to 3,300 MW. The UNE's dispatch office acknowledged that this shortfall "does not meet the nation's demands."
More telling was the UNE executives' admission regarding fuel: "There is no imported fuel in the country to enable generation, whether distributed, from Havana's barges, or other sites. All this generation, amounting to over 1,200 MW, is currently halted due to our lack of fuel for production."
This means all nighttime electricity production relies solely on domestic crude oil and accompanying gas from local extraction, with no imported fuel at all.
Capital Struggles Amidst Claims
While the regime boasted about Havana's power situation, the city's electric reports showed 13 circuits and 35 MW affected by midday that Friday, and by early Saturday, 240 MW and 68 circuits remained without service in the capital.
The accumulated context is dire. On September 1, Cuba began the month with blackouts affecting 70% of the island simultaneously, with an availability of just 1,020 MW against a demand of 3,300 MW.
On August 5, the historical record of 2,411 MW was impacted due to a generation capacity deficit. In 2026 alone, there have been at least six total system collapses, the worst occurring on March 16, resulting in nearly 30 hours of a nationwide blackout.
In provinces like Matanzas, residents have endured up to 87 consecutive hours without electricity this year.
Root Causes of the Power Crisis
The regime blames the paralysis of more than 1,200 MW on the U.S. embargo, referring to it as an "energy blockade" and "strangulation imposed by the empire." However, the crisis is rooted in decades-old structural issues: aging thermoelectric plants, chronic maintenance neglect, and reduced Venezuelan supply following Nicolás Maduro's capture in January 2026.
In June, Washington sanctioned CUPET, the Cuban state oil company, under Executive Order 14404, freezing its assets and restricting international transactions.
In this context, the Miami Herald disclosed that the Trump administration had purportedly offered oil and investments to Cuba in exchange for the privatization of CUPET and the removal of Miguel Díaz-Canel from power.
The proposal fell through, leaving Cuba ensnared in an energy crisis that its own officials admit can only be resolved via a "long road ahead."
Understanding Cuba's Energy Challenges
What is the current status of Cuba's power generation?
Cuba's estimated power availability was only 1,300 MW against a national demand of 2,850 to 3,300 MW, leading to significant shortfalls.
Why are over 1,200 MW of power generation capacity inactive in Cuba?
The inactivity is due to a lack of imported fuel, which is crucial for generation, both distributed and from major sites.
What are the structural issues affecting Cuba's energy sector?
Cuba's energy sector struggles with aging thermoelectric plants, chronic maintenance issues, and reduced fuel supply from Venezuela.