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The Cuban electrical system continues to be in crisis, with no immediate signs of recovery. The Electric Union (UNE) reported this Tuesday that power outages persisted throughout the 24 hours of Monday, January 26, with a maximum impact of 1,951 megawatts (MW) at 6:40 p.m., a figure that reflects the incapacity of the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) to meet the country's demand.
According to the official report from the UNE, the availability of the SEN at six in the morning this Tuesday was only 1,270 MW compared to a demand of 2,000 MW, resulting in an immediate shortfall of 740 MW. By noon, the estimated shortfall was 1,100 MW, and for the nighttime peak, an even greater deficit is forecasted: 1,805 MW, with a potential shortfall of up to 1,835 MW if current conditions persist.
Thermoelectric plants out of service and extended maintenance
The main reported incidents include failures in the Unit 5 of the Mariel CTE, the Unit 3 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes CTE, the Units 5 and 6 of Nuevitas, the Unit 2 of Felton, and the Units 3 and 6 of Antonio Maceo. Additionally, maintenance work is being carried out on the Unit 2 of the Santa Cruz CTE and the Unit 4 of Céspedes (Cienfuegos).
The UNE also reported that there are 446 MW limited in thermal generation due to technical restrictions, while solar energy production contributed 3,090 MWh on Monday, with a peak of 642 MW at midday. However, this contribution is insufficient given the magnitude of the structural deficit in the system.
Havana, among the affected areas
The Electric Company of Havana confirmed that the capital was without electricity for 19 hours and 55 minutes this Monday. The maximum impact was 389 MW at 6:40 p.m., and although service began to be partially restored around 2:50 a.m. on Tuesday, by the end of the report there were still two blocks out of service (67 MW).
The company warned that if the availability of the SEN does not improve, power outages are expected to continue in blocks and circuits under the contingency plan, without predetermined schedules.
A crisis with no clear solution in sight
The Cuban regime is unable to stabilize the electrical system despite announcements of new renewable sources being incorporated and repairs to thermoelectric plants. Frequent breakdowns, the aging of the energy infrastructure, and a lack of fuel have turned power outages into a chronic phenomenon impacting daily life, the economy, and basic services across the island.
In the meantime, the population faces each day with uncertainty, dealing with prolonged outages, food loss, and difficulties with transportation and communications. Despite official statements, there are no clear signs of a sustained recovery of the power grid in the short term.
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