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Cubans will have another Saturday of blackouts this October 11 after the Cuban Electric Union estimated a deficit of 1570 MW for the day.
In its daily report, UNE reported that this Friday “the service was interrupted for 24 hours and remained affected throughout the early morning today.”
He also specified that the maximum impact from the generation capacity deficit on that day was 1,692 MW at 7:10 PM, "exceeding what was planned due to the failure to bring unit 1 of the CTE Santa Cruz online."
This Saturday, the availability of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) at 6:00 AM was 1630 MW, while the demand was 2370 MW, resulting in a deficit of 840 MW.
Thus, the average impact for this Saturday is estimated at 1250 MW.
During peak hours, the entry of unit 6 of the Nuevitas CTE with 70 MW and the completion of unit 3 of the Cienfuegos CTE with 80 MW is anticipated, according to UNE.
However, with this forecast during peak hours, a capacity of 1780 MW is estimated against a maximum demand of 3350 MW, resulting in a deficit of 1570 MW. If the anticipated conditions persist, a shortfall of 1640 MW is predicted during this time.
The UNE reports faults in Unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant, Unit 6 of the Diez de Octubre Thermoelectric Plant, Unit 8 of Mariel, and Unit 3 of the Renté Thermoelectric Plant. Additionally, Units 2 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant and 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Plant in Cienfuegos are undergoing maintenance.
In addition, due to thermal limitations, 505 MW are out of service, 43 distributed generation plants with 280 MW are facing issues due to a lack of fuel, and 315 MW are unavailable due to a lack of lubricant, totaling 595 MW affected by this cause.
Finally, on Friday, the energy production from the 32 new photovoltaic solar parks reached 2167 MWh, with a maximum output of 362 MW during peak hours for this generation source.
On another note, the Electric Company of Havana reported that on Friday, the electrical service in Havana was affected for 14 hours and 10 minutes.
"The maximum impact was 100 MW at 7:10 PM. Service was restored at 10:57 PM. Although it was planned, it was not necessary to affect Blocks 3 and 1 scheduled between 11:00 PM and 2:00 AM; likewise, Blocks 2, 5, and 4 were not affected between 2:00 AM and 8:00 AM," reads the official statement.
The company reminded that the impacts depend only on the requirements of the SEN.
The lack of foresight and the inability to ensure basic supplies reflect a chronic pattern of negligence in state administration.
The inability to coordinate thermal power plants, combined with maintenance and supply issues, turns the electricity crisis into yet another symptom of the government's failure to manage strategic resources and ensure the well-being of the population.
Power outages not only impact daily life but also strike industrial production and basic services, further weakening an already fragile economy.
Meanwhile, the government seems to prioritize propaganda over resolving structural problems, leaving millions of Cubans without reliable access to electricity and exposing the country's vulnerability to an outdated and poorly managed electrical system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the current deficit in electricity generation in Cuba?
The electricity generation deficit in Cuba on October 11, 2025, is estimated at 1570 MW during peak hours. This deficit is part of an ongoing energy crisis that has affected the country for months, reflecting structural and management issues within the national electrical system.
What has caused the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to a combination of breakdowns in thermoelectric plants, lack of maintenance, fuel shortages, and aging infrastructure. These difficulties have led to a deficit in electricity generation, severely impacting daily life and the economy of the country.
How do power outages affect daily life in Cuba?
Blackouts in Cuba profoundly affect daily life, interrupting basic services such as education, healthcare, and water supply. They also impact industrial production and commerce, worsening an already precarious economic situation.
What actions has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has focused on incorporating photovoltaic solar parks and promoting the rational use of energy, but these measures have been insufficient to address the energy deficit. The lack of effective solutions and the reliance on fossil fuels have perpetuated the crisis.
What role do renewable energies play in the Cuban electric system?
Renewable energies, such as solar, provide a limited amount of energy to the Cuban electric system. Although there are efforts to increase their contribution, they are currently insufficient to compensate for the structural deficit of the country's electric system.
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