The National Electric System (SEN) remains in a critical situation this July 24, 2025, after being affected throughout all of yesterday and the early hours of today, according to the Cuban Electric Union (UNE).
The highest impact recorded due to generation capacity deficit was 1,775 megawatts (MW) at 9:40 PM on Wednesday, coinciding with the demand peak.
For this Thursday, the outlook is not more encouraging. At 7:00 AM, the availability of the SEN was only 1,770 MW, compared to a demand of 3,130 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,384 MW.
During daytime hours, it is expected that the impacts will remain around 1,300 MW, while for peak hours, a deficit of 1,680 MW is forecasted. If current conditions persist, the UNE anticipates a maximum impact of up to 1,750 MW.
Widespread failures and limited generation
Five thermoelectric units remain out of service due to breakdowns: unit 5 of the Mariel CTE, unit 4 of Energas Varadero, the unit of the Guiteras CTE, unit 6 of the Renté CTE, and unit 2 of the Felton CTE.
This is in addition to three units under maintenance: unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz, unit 4 of the CTE Cienfuegos, and unit 5 of the CTE Renté.
The limitations in thermal generation amount to 270 MW, and this situation is exacerbated by the lack of fuel, which has kept 88 distributed generation plants offline, equivalent to 786 MW, along with five engines in the Regla trailer (an additional 40 MW). In total, 826 MW are out of the system due to this reason.
Solar energy fails to meet the deficit
Despite the commissioning of 23 new photovoltaic solar parks, generation from this source reached only 1,708 megawatt-hours (MWh), with a peak of 352 MW delivered during daytime hours, a figure insufficient to meet the high national demand.
In an effort to ease the situation during peak consumption, UNE anticipates the commissioning of the CTE Guiteras unit, which could contribute 150 MW and is currently in the completion phase of its loading.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current electricity generation deficit in Cuba?
The deficit in electricity generation in Cuba has exceeded 1,700 MW according to the latest report from the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE). This deficit persists due to failures in thermal power units, scheduled maintenance, and a severe shortage of fuel. The critical situation of the National Electric System (SEN) has led to prolonged blackouts across the country.
What are the main causes of power outages in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba are primarily caused by technical failures in the generating units, maintenance of several power plants, and a critical shortage of fuel. This combination of issues has taken multiple thermoelectric units and distributed generation plants offline. The fuel shortage has been particularly damaging, affecting more than 80 distributed generation plants.
How is the energy crisis affecting daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis is severely impacting daily life in Cuba, causing interruptions in essential activities such as cooking, using appliances, and preserving food. Prolonged blackouts, which in some regions exceed 20 hours a day, have generated increasing discontent among the population, with no clear prospects for improvement in the short term.
What measures is the Cuban Electric Union taking to mitigate the crisis?
The Electric Union of Cuba has attempted to implement scheduled outages and prioritize electricity supply for essential services such as hospitals. However, these measures have not been sufficient to resolve the serious energy crisis. While the commissioning of some generating units is anticipated, availability continues to fall far short of demand, leaving the situation critical with no immediate solution.
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