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The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) announced that this Monday the country will experience massive blackouts due to a generation deficit nearing 1,800 MW, one of the highest figures of the year.
According to the official note published on their Facebook page, the previous day there were outages reported over a 24-hour period, with a maximum deficit of 1,684 MW at 8:50 PM, coinciding with peak demand times. The imbalance is attributed to the non-activation of unit 1 of the Santa Cruz power plant and to limitations in unit 3 of the Cienfuegos power plant.
The UNE detailed that at 6:00 a.m., the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) was 2,020 MW, compared to a demand of 3,294 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1,296 MW. "During peak hours, a deficit of 1,280 MW is estimated," adds the official report.
Regarding the contribution of renewable sources, the company stated that the 25 new solar parks generated 2,966 MWh, with a peak delivery of 544 MW.
For peak hours, an availability of 2,120 MW is estimated against a maximum demand of 3,840 MW. If current conditions persist, the shortfall would amount to 1,790 MW.
In the case of Havana, the provincial Electric Company reported that on August 24, the capital experienced outages from 2:00 p.m. until the early morning, with a maximum impact of 58 MW at 8:50 p.m. The service was restored at 3:27 a.m., although it was not necessary to implement all the planned blackout blocks.
The schedule published for August 25 and the early morning of the 26th includes cuts in different areas of the city, distributed between blocks B1 and B6, with staggered times from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the following day.
The UNE concluded by stating that the limitations in thermal generation amount to 345 MW and that it is expected that 100 MW from distributed generation engines, currently out of service due to a lack of fuel, will come online today.
Growing outrage over official noncompliance
The announcement from the UNE comes just five days after it was confirmed that the government failed to fulfill its promise to limit blackouts to four hours a day during the summer of 2025. In reality, Cubans are facing outages that last up to 20 hours without electricity, severely impacting daily life.
The citizens' reactions gathered on social media reflect a deep frustration: users report lost food, entire nights spent outdoors to escape the heat, and a lack of alternatives for cooking, relying instead on firewood or charcoal. Many highlight the gap between official propaganda and the reality that families are experiencing.
The comments reflect everything from sarcasm to pain and frustration: “It’s a country that has nothing for the people, neither electricity nor medicine… we are getting worse every day,” wrote a user, while others warned that social patience “also has its limits.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Cuba
Why are massive blackouts occurring in Cuba?
The massive blackouts in Cuba are due to a severe shortage of electricity generation, reaching figures close to 1,800 MW. This deficit is caused by the non-operation of several thermoelectric units and limitations in thermal and renewable energy sources. Additionally, the lack of fuel has halted many distributed generation plants, exacerbating the situation of the National Electric System (SEN).
How does the electricity generation deficit affect the Cuban population?
The deficit in electricity generation in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of the population, with prolonged power outages lasting up to 20 hours a day in some areas. This leads to food loss, difficulties in cooking, and an increase in insomnia due to the heat. The situation generates frustration and outrage among citizens, who highlight the gap between the government's promises and the reality they face.
What measures is the Electric Union of Cuba taking to mitigate power outages?
Cuba's Electric Union has announced the reactivation of 100 MW in distributed generation engines that were out of service due to a lack of fuel. Efforts are also being made to synchronize additional thermoelectric units. However, these measures are insufficient to cover the total energy deficit, resulting in ongoing blackouts across the island.
What is the role of renewable energy in Cuba's energy crisis?
Renewable energies, especially solar, contribute a limited portion to electricity generation in Cuba, reaching a maximum of 544 MW during periods of high solar radiation. Although new solar parks have been added, their contribution is insufficient to cover the overall energy deficit. The lack of investment and issues in thermal power plants remain critical factors that hinder a quick resolution to the crisis.
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