Havana in near-total blackout due to generation deficit: The six blocks in darkness

The Electric Company of Havana reported this Friday that its six blocks are affected by a generation deficit of 315 megawatts (MW), which leaves almost the entire capital of Cuba in the dark.

The company announced through its channel on Telegram that the blackout affects the entire city, from blocks one to six, confirming that the generation deficit remains out of control.

The entity also urged the public to follow its official channels without providing an estimate for the restoration of the service.

The extent of the deficit once again highlights the system's inability to meet the minimum demand of the most densely populated city in the country.

The lack of details regarding the immediate causes, recovery times, and the actual availability of generation reinforces the perception of a system operating at its limits, without technical support or reliable reserves.

On Wednesday, Havana woke up completely in the dark after the disconnection of the SEN in the western region.

For this Friday, the Electric Union (UNE) forecasted a deficit of 2,008 MW, and an estimated impact of 2,078 MW.

The above means that up to 61% of the national territory will be without power simultaneously during peak demand hours, an unprecedented figure that sets a new record in the prolonged energy crisis affecting the island.

On Monday, December 1st, a record had already been reached with a 59% impact.

Such a situation is the result of outdated infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages, which have rendered several thermoelectric units and distributed generation plants out of service.

During the day, it was revealed that the major maintenance of the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant in Matanzas will be postponed due to a “joint” technical and risk issue, meaning it will only undergo a short shutdown in January 2026, while the country attempts to support the unstable Felton.

Furthermore, the Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy predicted that 2026 will be “slightly better” due to repairs on thermal power plants and increased solar capacity, but he warned that the lack of fuel and the condition of the SEN will prevent the elimination of blackouts.