Davielquis Cortina Cobas, director of the provincial cargo office at the Holguín Electric Company, acknowledged what the people of Holguín already know: the province is operating on the brink of collapse, with power outages reaching nearly 18 hours a day and a grid that can't handle even half of what is required.
During a press conference this Tuesday, the official confirmed that Holguín is operating at its "maximum achievable" and that the rotation of blocks can no longer be guaranteed in many cases.
Of the 210 megawatts (MW) allocated to the province as historical consumption for the month of May, only 165 are intended for the population, as 45 MW are prioritized for sectors such as the nickel industry, tourism, and water supply, noted the provincial newspaper ¡Ahora!
According to Cortina, “the maximum electric load limit is 130 MW,” so “if demand exceeds 150 MW, supply cannot be guaranteed,” he warned. “Although there is a plan to meet the demand, it is currently not possible to maintain the usual rotation due to a capacity deficit.”
The alternative in effect is nothing other than raw rationing. The company applies service interruptions "of up to 18 hours every 24 hours," ensuring that no circuit is without service for more than nine continuous hours,” the source added. Furthermore, the nighttime rotation occurs at 9:00 p.m. and aims to distribute the scarce available service, although there is no longer enough energy to maintain an effective or predictable rotation.
While the population struggles to cope with the heat and shortages, the official planning mentions "three hours of electricity daily during times of crisis," which, rather than being a solution, feels more like a sentence. Despite this, Cortina emphasized the need for the population to plan and the importance of efficiently utilizing the limited electricity supply.
With the arrival of summer, electricity demand has surged, particularly in the afternoon hours. The provincial peak occurs around 6:00 p.m., but the national peak happens later, which forces further adjustments to the already weakened local distribution plan, according to the source.
The only light at the end of the tunnel seems to be the promised expansion of solar energy, “with a current capacity in the country of approximately 560 MW and projections to reach 700 MW, which could mitigate the impacts during the day,” although the newspaper does not provide specific timelines or immediate effects in Holguín.
The Cuban electrical system continues to be immersed in a deep structural crisis, with prolonged outages hitting the population day and night. According to the report from the Electric Union (UNE) as of May 14, the country recorded a power deficit of 1,460 MW the previous day, a figure that has remained above 1,400 MW for several days now.
In recent months, there has been an increase in complaints from residents in various provinces where daily blackouts exceed, in many cases, 20 hours.
Part of the citizenry claims that the regime is concealing its lack of fuel to ensure service. Others assert that the energy crisis has become a mechanism of state control.
Although Havana experiences shorter blackouts compared to the other provinces and the Electric Company generally avoids service interruptions during the early morning hours, recent reports indicate that this difference has decreased.
In the first three months of 2025, the province of Holguín experienced a significant increase in crimes against the National Electric System (SEN), affecting both the population and state facilities.
But beyond the reported crimes, the lack of investment and maintenance in the electrical system is perceived by some citizens as the main cause of the blackouts.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts and the Energy Crisis in Holguín, Cuba
Why is Holguín experiencing power outages of up to 18 hours daily?
Holguín is facing power outages of up to 18 hours a day due to a deficit in electricity generation capacity, which has forced the Electric Company to implement severe rationing. The electrical infrastructure in Cuba is on the brink of collapse, and the province cannot ensure the rotation of blocks due to a lack of resources and high demand.
What is the situation of the electricity supply in Holguín during the summer?
During the summer, electricity demand in Holguín has increased significantly, especially in the afternoon hours, exacerbating the problem of blackouts. The peak provincial demand occurs around 6:00 p.m., and the inability to meet this demand has resulted in prolonged electrical service outages.
What sectors are prioritized in electricity usage in Holguín?
In Holguín, sectors such as nickel, tourism, and water supply are prioritized in electricity usage, leaving only 165 megawatts for the population's consumption, out of the 210 megawatts allocated to the province. This prioritization contributes to the worsening of the crisis for local residents.
What measures are being taken to mitigate the energy crisis in Holguín?
One of the measures mentioned to mitigate the energy crisis in Holguín is the expansion of solar energy, with projections to increase the installed capacity from 560 MW to 700 MW nationwide. However, there is still no concrete timeline for these improvements or any immediate impact expected in Holguín.
How is the energy crisis affecting daily life in Holguín?
The energy crisis in Holguín is severely affecting the daily lives of its citizens, who must cope with the heat and shortages without electricity for long hours. Official planning only provides three hours of power daily during critical times, which is insufficient for the basic needs of the population.
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