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Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) reported that on Tuesday, the impacts due to a generation capacity shortfall in the National Electric System (SEN) reached a peak of 1,286 MW at 6:30 PM, coinciding with the demand peak.
The day before, the state company forecasted that the "afflictions" would reach 1,065 MW, but "the non-activation of Unit 5 of the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant (CTE) and a demand higher than predicted," according to the latest from the UNE, raised the initial projections by over 200 MW.
For this Wednesday, January 15, the UNE anticipates similar conditions, with a generation availability of 1,840 MW by 7:00 AM against a demand of 2,060 MW, resulting in an initial deficit of 281 MW.
During peak hours, the forecast is even more critical: an estimated availability of 2,081 MW against a maximum demand of 3,240 MW, which could lead to impacts exceeding 1,200 MW.
Factors that worsen the crisis
The current situation is characterized by multiple breakdowns and maintenance issues at key thermal power plants in the country. According to the UNE, the following units are out of service: unit 2 of the Felton Thermal Power Plant, units 2 and 3 of Santa Cruz, units 3 and 4 of Cienfuegos, and unit 5 of Renté.
Additionally, there are limitations in thermal generation affecting 340 MW, as well as a lack of fuel that has rendered 43 distributed generation plants inoperable, with a total capacity of 467 MW.
The deficit is also exacerbated by issues at the CTE Mariel, where units 5 and 8 are out of service (for a total of eight units disconnected from the SEN), preventing it from contributing its 120 MW of thermal generation.
The "new normal" of power outages
This situation is part of a trend that has persisted since early 2025. In recent days, the electricity deficit has exceeded 1,000 MW, leaving thousands of homes and businesses without power for long hours.
Previous notes from CiberCuba have documented how blackouts have surged due to the unexpected outage of key units, becoming a daily issue for Cubans.
Meanwhile, users on social media continue to express their frustration over the lack of structural solutions and the recurring reliance on temporary measures. The population, already accustomed to these interruptions, faces another day of energy uncertainty amid a backdrop of growing social discontent.
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