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The situation of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) continues to deteriorate, leaving much of Cuba under prolonged blackouts. This Thursday, the electrical service was affected for 24 hours, and although it was restored in the early morning, it was interrupted again just an hour later.
According to the official report from the Electric Union (UNE) dated March 28, 2025, the highest impact during the previous day was 1,417 MW at 8:10 PM, coinciding with the peak demand hour. For this Friday, an even more critical scenario is anticipated: a deficit of 1,425 MW during peak hours and an impact of up to 1,495 MW, if current conditions persist.
The availability of the SEN at 7:00 a.m. was only 1,850 MW against a demand of 2,310 MW. At noon, an impact of 850 MW is expected. Additionally, multiple technical failures and operational limitations persist:
Unit 2 of the Felton thermoelectric plant is out of order. Another six units are offline for maintenance at the plants in Mariel, Santa Cruz, Cienfuegos, and Renté. There are 340 MW limited in thermal generation.
A total of 83 distributed generation plants are out of service due to a lack of fuel, affecting an additional 506 MW.
Although a slight increase in solar generation was reported, with 385 MWh produced in new photovoltaic parks (located in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Granma), the figure remains insufficient in the face of the accumulated deficit of the system.
Scheduled blackouts in Havana
In response to the crisis, the Electric Company of Havana announced scheduled power outages for this Friday in several districts of the capital:
Block #3: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Block #4: from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Block #2: from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Block #1: from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The entity assured that its communication channels on Telegram, X, and Facebook, as well as the phone line 18888, remain active to provide information to the public.
In recent weeks, power outages have intensified across the Island, causing social unrest and numerous complaints on social media. The combination of breakdowns, prolonged maintenance, fuel shortages, and outdated energy infrastructure has exacerbated the electrical crisis, one of the most severe in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Electrical Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the electrical deficit in Cuba?
The main cause of the electrical deficit in Cuba is the combination of breakdowns, prolonged maintenance, lack of fuel, and outdated energy infrastructure. This has led to extended blackouts and a generation deficit that exceeds 1,400 MW during peak hours.
How do blackouts affect daily life in Cuba?
Power outages severely affect the daily lives of Cubans, interrupting the electrical supply necessary for essential services such as healthcare, water supply, and food preservation. In addition, they generate social unrest and numerous complaints on social media due to the prolonged periods without electricity.
What is the forecast for the Cuban electrical system in the coming hours?
The forecast for the Cuban electrical system indicates a critical situation with a deficit of 1,425 MW and an estimated impact of up to 1,495 MW during peak hours. Scheduled blackouts are anticipated in various regions of the country, especially in Havana.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to tackle the electricity crisis?
The Cuban government is promoting the integration of new renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic solar parks, although these measures are not enough to resolve the structural crisis of the electrical system. Meanwhile, the lack of investment and the deterioration of thermal power plants remain significant barriers.
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