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The energy crisis in Cuba worsens with each passing day, and the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) appears to have no immediate solution.
The informational report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE) this Friday indicates that on the previous day there was a generation deficit throughout the 24 hours, continuing without improvements during the early morning of February 28, 2025.
The situation is discouraging. The highest recorded impact reached 1,719 MW at 7:20 PM, coinciding with the peak demand.
This value was higher than planned due to the delayed operation of Unit 3 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Power Plant and the unexpected shutdown of Unit 5 of the Nuevitas Thermoelectric Power Plant.
A critical situation without signs of improvement
At 07:00 hours this Friday, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was at 1,520 MW, while demand reached 2,315 MW, resulting in a shortage of 882 MW in electricity supply. The forecast for noon estimates a shortage of 1,150 MW, with a greater impact in the central-eastern region of the country.
Breakdowns and maintenance at the thermoelectric plants continue to impact the already weakened electrical infrastructure of the island. Currently, the following are out of service due to this reason:
- Unit 5 of the Mariel CTE.
- Unit 1 of the CTE Santa Cruz.
- Unit 5 of the CTE Nuevitas.
- Units 1 and 2 of the CTE Felton.
Scheduled maintenance is:
- Unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz.
- Units 3 and 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos.
- Unit 5 of CTE Renté.
In addition, the limitations in thermal generation amount to 310 MW, while 76 distributed generation plants are out of service due to lack of fuel, which represents an additional impact of 522 MW.
Forecast for peak hours
During peak demand hours, the UNE projects an availability of 1,695 MW against a demand of 3,250 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,555 MW and an estimated impact of 1,625 MW, with a greater effect on the central-eastern region of Cuba.
The partial recovery of some generators is anticipated
- 50 MW in distributed generation engines that are currently out of service due to a lack of fuel.
- Entrance of Unit 1 of the CTE Santa Cruz with 80 MW.
- Reactivation of Energas Jaruco turbine 5 with 30 MW.
- Completion of Unit 6 of Energas Jaruco with an additional 15 MW.
Scheduled blackouts in Havana
The Electric Company of Havana also announced that, due to the energy crisis, it will be necessary to affect customers in the capital at different time blocks today
- Blocks #3 and #4: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Block #2: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Block #1: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The situation of the SEN leaves the Cuban population in a state of constant uncertainty, with prolonged blackouts and without a clear short-term recovery plan.
Discontent is growing among citizens, who are witnessing how blackouts are impacting their quality of life, economic activities, and the functioning of basic services. The electrical collapse remains out of control, and according to forecasts, the situation could worsen in the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main problem of the electric system in Cuba?
The main problem of the electrical system in Cuba is the deficit in electricity generation, which has led to massive and prolonged blackouts throughout the country. The causes include constant breakdowns in thermal power plants, poor maintenance, and a severe shortage of fuel. The situation is exacerbated by the failure to bring planned generating units online and the demand exceeding the available capacity.
How does the electricity generation deficit affect the Cuban population?
The electricity generation deficit in Cuba severely affects the daily lives of the population. Cubans face prolonged power outages, which impact quality of life, economic activities, and the functioning of basic services. Additionally, this has led to increasing social discontent, with protests and loud demonstrations as forms of expressing frustration over the lack of solutions.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
Until now, the Cuban government has not implemented effective measures to address the energy crisis. Authorities have announced scheduled blackouts and have urged the population to moderate energy consumption, but they have not presented a clear plan to improve electrical infrastructure or increase energy generation. The lack of concrete solutions has exacerbated frustration and uncertainty among citizens.
Which regions of Cuba are the most affected by power outages?
Although power outages affect the entire country, the central-eastern regions of Cuba are the most impacted by the energy crisis, due to the high power transfers needed to meet the demand in these areas. The capital, Havana, also faces scheduled outages, but the provinces inland suffer more severe and frequent cuts.
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