Cuba expects prolonged blackouts throughout this Sunday, with a peak impact reaching 55% of the territory during the time of highest electricity demand. The state-owned Unión Eléctrica (UNE) has warned about this critical situation, which reflects the persistent instability of the national energy system.
Scale of the expected impact
During peak hours, simultaneous outages will affect large areas of the island, leaving millions of residents without power. This forecast comes after months of recurring deficits, where available generation does not cover the historical demand of around 3,000 megawatts.
Background of the energy crisis
Cuba expects blackouts as part of a trend that has dragged on for 18 months. In recent events, the collapse has exceeded 63% of the island, with failures in key thermoelectric plants such as Nuevitas, which triggered national blackouts. The obsolescence of the generating plants, combined with fuel shortages, has forced scheduled disconnections of up to 20 hours a day in provinces like Havana.
Identified aggravating factors
- Simultaneous breakdowns in multiple aging thermoelectric units.
- Fuel deficit, despite recent shipments such as the 86,000 barrels from Mexico.
- Maximum demand of 3,400 MW compared to only 1,392 MW available during recent peaks.
Industry experts, such as Lázaro Guerra, attribute these collapses to a cascade effect in the National Electric System (SEN), aggravated by economic constraints.
Responses and prospects
International aid offers temporary relief: China has sent 90,000 tons of rice and $80 million in financing, in addition to investments in solar parks for 2026. However, these measures cover barely 5% of current demand. The Cuban government points to external factors, while independent analysts emphasize the need for reforms in renewables and efficiency.
Electrical intermittency strains hospitals, businesses, and homes, demanding urgent solutions. Cuba expects blackouts that, although not isolated, mark a new peak in this prolonged crisis, with forecasts of partial improvements in the coming weeks.
From the Dominican Republic, this neighboring situation is viewed with concern, recalling the SENI’s own massive blackouts. Cuba expects blackouts this Sunday not only as a technical challenge, but as a reminder of regional energy vulnerability.
