The Electric Union (UNE) reported that the service in Cuba was affected for 24 hours on Friday, and outages continued throughout the early morning of April 26, 2025.
Official data indicates that the maximum impact the previous day was 1,867 MW at 8:10 PM, although this did not coincide with the hour of highest energy demand.
The situation remains critical this Saturday. The state-owned company reported a generation availability of only 1,640 MW against a demand of 2,700 MW, which leaves a deficit of 1,100 MW in the National Electric System (SEN). By noon, it is expected that the impacts will increase to 1,380 MW.
During peak hours in the evening, the forecast is even more alarming: a supply of 1,771 MW is expected against a demand of 3,400 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,629 MW and estimated impacts of 1,699 MW.
Meanwhile, the photovoltaic solar parks produced 966 MWh in recent hours, a figure insufficient to counteract the serious generation crisis the country is experiencing.
The UNE did not specify the exact causes of the low availability nor the immediate plans to improve the situation, which continues to severely impact the daily lives of Cubans.
This week, the Cuban regime acknowledged that it experienced a historical record in generation deficit. This occurred on Wednesday, when there was a deficit of 1,901 MW during the peak hours at 8:10 PM.
The government attributed this critical situation to "fuel limitations," which have a clear impact on electricity generation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the cause of the current energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba, which currently exceeds 1,700 MW, is primarily due to failures in thermal power plants, a lack of fuel, and postponed maintenance. The country's electrical infrastructure is severely impacted by these limitations.
How does the lack of fuel affect electricity generation in Cuba?
The lack of fuel is one of the main causes of the energy deficit in Cuba. This scarcity leaves many distributed generation plants inoperative, significantly contributing to the current crisis. Furthermore, it impacts the ability to meet energy demand, especially during peak hours.
What role do photovoltaic solar parks play in Cuba's energy crisis?
Although Cuba has incorporated eight new photovoltaic solar parks, their production is insufficient to alleviate the current energy crisis. These parks recently generated 966 MWh, but their capacity cannot cover the significant deficit between the supply and demand for electricity, especially at night.
What impact do power outages have on the daily life of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts with no defined schedules seriously impact the quality of life of Cubans. They disrupt access to essential services, create social unrest, and increase distrust towards the authorities, who often issue unreliable forecasts about the state of the electrical supply.
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