The energy crisis in Cuba is deepening, with electricity shortages severely impacting daily life. The island is grappling with a power generation shortfall that reached 1,595 MW during peak hours. In a recent statement, the Cuban Electric Union (UNE) revealed that the day started with a generation capacity of just 1,550 MW compared to a demand of 2,480 MW. This deficit has led to widespread blackouts, particularly affecting the central and eastern regions of the country.
The energy shortfall has been ongoing for 24 hours straight, with conditions worsening on the night of October 31st. The situation is exacerbated by several power plants being offline due to breakdowns and fuel shortages. Notably, facilities such as CTE Mariel, CTE Santa Cruz, CTE Cienfuegos, and CTE Nuevitas have been forced to halt operations. The UNE anticipates a peak demand of 3,200 MW while only expecting a supply of 1,675 MW, leading to a projected deficit of 1,525 MW.
A Struggling Energy Infrastructure
This ongoing energy crisis is not an isolated incident. Vicente De La O Levy, the Minister of Energy and Mines, recently described the Cuban electrical system as “fragile,” citing logistical challenges and adverse maritime conditions complicating fuel supply. Although he dismissed the possibility of a complete collapse, he did warn about the instability of the energy supply, further aggravated by outdated infrastructure and a lack of routine maintenance.
The precarious state of the power grid has alarmed citizens, who fear a repeat of the recent massive blackouts. Frustration is palpable on social media, where many Cubans voice concerns over unequal distribution of power outages. Havana seems to be less affected compared to other provinces, with the central-eastern regions experiencing the most severe disruptions, sparking criticism and increasing social discontent.
Uncertain Future with Continued Blackouts
Looking ahead, the UNE foresees a difficult situation in the coming days, with no immediate improvement in sight. Current conditions suggest that the deficit could persist, intensifying the impact on daily life in Cuba. Neither the UNE nor the Ministry of Energy and Mines has laid out a clear contingency plan, focusing instead on reporting the ongoing situation and efforts to bring some generating units back online in the near future.
In the meantime, Cubans are bracing for another extended period of power outages, hoping for a long-term solution to finally resolve this chronic energy crisis. As the nation awaits relief, the impact on everyday life continues to grow more severe.