Massive blackouts in Cuba: the electricity deficit nears 2,000 MW, leaving more than half the country in the dark

The energy crisis in Cuba is hitting hard once again. The Electric Union (UNE) reported that the country is facing a generation deficit of up to 1,940 megawatts (MW) during the peak nighttime hours this Friday, January 23, 2026, a figure that keeps more than half of the country in extended blackouts.

According to the official report published by the state-owned company, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) at 06:00 hours was only 1,260 MW, compared to a demand of 2,229 MW, which caused disruptions since the early morning. By noon, an impact of 1,200 MW was estimated, and during the night, a collapse of up to 1,970 MW occurred.

The UNE acknowledged that the service was affected for 24 hours on Thursday, with a peak impact of 1,930 MW at 6:40 PM. The situation shows no signs of improvement, and power outages persist throughout almost the entire national territory, according to the state-owned company itself.

Among the main incidents reported are the failures in the units 5 and 8 of the CTE Mariel, the unit 3 of the CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, the units 5 and 6 of Nuevitas, and the unit 2 of the CTE Felton. Additionally, the unit 2 of the CTE Santa Cruz and the unit 4 of the CTE Céspedes in Cienfuegos remain under maintenance.

The UNE also reports limitations in thermal generation by 466 MW out of service, while solar energy provides only a momentary relief with 49 photovoltaic parks that generated 3,186 MWh, with a maximum power of 711 MW.

The energy deficit of nearly 2,000 MW highlights the profound structural crisis of the Cuban electrical system, characterized by technological obsolescence, lack of maintenance, and reliance on a state system unable to meet national demand. Despite announcements of new investments and renewable sources, the reality is that Cuba remains mired in massive blackouts that disrupt daily life and worsen the country's economic situation.

Meanwhile, the regime avoids publicly acknowledging the social and economic impact of this crisis, which affects hospitals, industries, educational institutions, and households across the entire national territory.