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The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) reported this Friday that, despite the ongoing issues with the National Electric System (SEN), Havana did not experience blackouts during the day on Thursday, in contrast to other provinces in the country that continue to be affected by the generation deficit.
The Informative Note from October 17, 2025, indicates that the maximum impact due to generation capacity deficit was 1,384 megawatts (MW) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, resulting in power outages in wide areas of the country.
However, the Electric Company of Havana assured that in the capital, the service was not interrupted at any time. Nevertheless, they shared the table with the expected outages this Friday.
At 6:00 AM this Friday, the availability of the SEN was 1,813 MW compared to a demand of 2,320 MW, resulting in a deficit of 512 MW.
For the daytime schedule, the UNE anticipates an impact of 700 MW, and during peak hours, a deficit of 1,297 MW is estimated, with a potential impact of up to 1,367 MW.
Incidents and breakdowns
The statement details that the main thermal units facing issues are Unit 2 of the Felton CTE, Unit 8 of Mariel, and Unit 3 of the Renté CTE, all out of service due to breakdowns.
Meanwhile, Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz Thermal Power Plant and Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermal Power Plant in Cienfuegos are undergoing maintenance. Additionally, there are 452 MW with thermal limitations and another 501 MW unavailable due to a lack of fuel and lubricants in 50 distributed generation plants.
Solar energy: a growing contribution but insufficient
The UNE highlighted the contribution of the 32 new photovoltaic solar parks, which generated 2,934 megawatt-hours (MWh) during the day, reaching a maximum power of 536 MW.
This figure represents progress in the use of renewable energy, but the contribution is still insufficient to meet the growing national demand, which is exacerbated by a lack of maintenance and fuel in thermal plants.
For the night, the UNE anticipates the addition of 100 MW through distributed generation engines that are currently out of service due to a lack of fuel, as well as the commissioning of turbine 1 from Energás Jaruco (30 MW) and the completion of the combined cycle with an additional 60 MW.
If this forecast materializes, total availability would reach 2,003 MW, compared to a peak demand of 3,300 MW, which would keep the country in a situation of high risk for widespread blackouts, except in Havana, where —according to the state company— stable electric service has been maintained.
Protests in Baire over power outages
In Havana, there were no blackouts, but in the eastern part of the country, the situation is critical, not only due to prolonged power outages but also because of the scarcity of food and potable water.
In Baire, this Thursday night, the people took to the streets to demand freedom and the end of the dictatorship. People walked through their city in the dark, banging their pots as a sign of protest against the regime.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Situation in Cuba
Why didn't Havana experience blackouts while other provinces did?
Havana has managed to maintain stable electric service, unlike other provinces, thanks to the local management of the Electric Company of Havana and the prioritization of resources in the capital. However, this situation is not sustainable in the long term due to the widespread energy crisis in Cuba.
What is the main cause of the energy deficit in Cuba?
The energy deficit in Cuba is mainly due to breakdowns and lack of maintenance in the thermal power plants, along with a shortage of fuel and lubricants affecting distributed generation. These technical and logistical constraints have kept the electrical system in a critical situation.
What role does solar energy play in Cuba's energy situation?
Although Cuba has added 32 new photovoltaic solar parks, its contribution remains insufficient to meet the growing national demand. Despite generating thousands of MWh, solar energy does not offset the structural deficit of the Cuban electrical system.
What measures is the UNE taking to mitigate power outages?
The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) is attempting to mitigate blackouts through the incorporation of distributed generation engines and maintenance planning. However, the lack of fuel and reliance on imports limit the effectiveness of these measures.
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