As November 2026 begins, Cuba is engulfed in a severe electrical crisis. According to the official report from the Cuban Electrical Union (UNE) released on Monday, the National Electric System (SEN) anticipates a power shortfall of 1,922 MW during peak hours, with only 958 MW available to meet the 2,850 MW demand.
The projected shortfall for the evening reaches 1,892 MW, signaling widespread power outages throughout the country during peak consumption hours.
The situation was already dire at daybreak. By 6:00 AM, the UNE reported an availability of 970 MW against a demand of 2,300 MW, leaving 1,300 MW uncovered. At midday, an impact of 1,550 MW was anticipated.
Sunday was no better. As per the report, "the service was affected by capacity deficits throughout the entire 24-hour period, continuing into the early morning," with a peak impact of 1,886 MW recorded at 7:20 PM.
Malfunctions at the thermoelectric plants largely account for the crisis. On Monday, several units were offline: unit 1 of the CTE Santa Cruz, unit 2 of the CTE Felton, and units 3 and 6 of the CTE Renté. Three more units were undergoing maintenance: unit 3 of Santa Cruz, unit 5 of Nuevitas, and unit 5 of Renté. Overall, "limitations in thermal generation amount to 607 MW," according to the UNE.
The outlook for the evening peak includes maneuvers that barely offset the losses: the entry of unit 4 from the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes is expected to bring 150 MW online; however, this is countered by the shutdown of unit 3 from the same plant due to low fuel levels (115 MW) and the disconnection of the Energas Varadero plant due to a lack of lubrication oil (47 MW).
Solar energy contributed 4,140 MWh on Sunday, with a maximum power of 644 MW at midday, but it falls short of covering the thermal deficit and does not address nighttime needs when the most significant outages occur.
This start to November continues directly from a devastating October for the electrical system. Power cuts exceeded 2,000 MW for consecutive days at the month's end: 2,004 MW on the 29th, 2,039 MW on the 30th, and 2,022 MW on the 31st.
The Antonio Guiteras plant, the largest thermoelectric facility in the country with a nominal capacity of 316 MW located in Matanzas, experienced five unscheduled breakdowns in October alone, the last due to low vacuum in the condenser, with three simultaneous leaks detected in the boiler. On October 16, a fire at the CTE Santa Cruz reduced SEN availability to 740 MW, leaving 75.5% of the demand unmet.
Across the island, by the end of October, circuits reported between 70 and 89 continuous hours without electricity. In Havana, at midday on Sunday, 213 MW were affected, and 84 distribution circuits were interrupted.
While the population endures power outages exceeding 20 hours daily, the Cuban regime presented a strategy in November 2025 promising to achieve "electrical independence" by 2035 with 40% renewable generation, a promise starkly contrasting with the harsh reality Cubans face this Monday.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Electrical Crisis
What is causing the major power outages in Cuba?
The major power outages in Cuba are primarily caused by malfunctions and maintenance issues at several key thermoelectric plants, leading to a significant deficit in electricity generation.
How is the Cuban government addressing the electrical crisis?
The Cuban government has announced a strategy to achieve electrical independence by 2035 with a target of 40% renewable energy generation, although current conditions starkly contrast with these promises.
What has been the impact on everyday life due to these outages?
The power outages have led to severe disruptions in daily life, with some areas experiencing more than 20 hours of power cuts daily, affecting households and businesses alike.