This Saturday, the energy crisis in Cuba will reach a critical peak, with simultaneous blackouts leaving up to 39% of the territory without power during peak demand hours. The Electric Union (UNE), the state-owned company responsible for the system, confirmed these disruptions, which have ranged between 30% and 40% of the island this week.
Details of blackouts during peak hours
Outages will concentrate during the period of highest consumption, when demand exceeds generating capacity. Experts point out that failures in thermal plants, such as the breakdown at the Antonio Guiteras power plant, worsen the situation. Historically, Cuba depends 90% on imported fossil fuels, which are vulnerable to sanctions and logistical problems.
Background of the energy crisis on the island
Structural and recent causes
The energy crisis is not new: since 2021, the island has recorded chronic deficits due to infrastructure obsolescence and fuel oil shortages. In 2024, more than 500 national system collapses were reported, leaving millions without service. Official statements from UNE admit that only 60% of generating units are operating fully.
- Generating deficiency: Plants at their limit, with many stopped for maintenance.
- Failed imports: Delays in Russian and Venezuelan oil tankers.
- Social impact: Hospitals and homes affected, with extreme rationing.
Expert opinions and projections
International analysts, such as those from the Cuban Institute for Energy Research, estimate that without massive investments, the energy crisis will persist. The government is promoting renewables, but they cover only 5% of demand. This week, disruptions of 36% led to informal curfews in Havana.
The energy crisis exposes deep vulnerabilities in the Cuban system, with residents adapting to expensive private generators. Residents in eastern provinces report up to 12 hours a day without power. Satellite monitoring confirms drops in nighttime consumption, evidencing the magnitude of the problem.
UNE compiled data showing peak disruptions of 39%, according to EFE.
In this context of energy crisis, Cuba seeks urgent solutions while the population deals with daily impacts. The situation this Saturday underscores the need for structural reforms in the electricity sector.
