The energy crisis in Cuba is intensifying as 2025 begins, with significant electricity disruptions reported by the National Electric System (SEN) on January 3rd. The Union Eléctrica (UNE) announced on Saturday that power shortages reached 777 MW during peak demand times, far exceeding the initially anticipated 600 MW.
These power cuts have primarily impacted the central and eastern regions of the country, where the generation deficit remains a persistent issue. On the previous day, outages occurred during two critical periods: from 8:13 AM to 2:27 PM due to high power transfers to the central-east, and from 2:59 PM to 8:44 PM because of insufficient generation capacity.
According to the UNE, the situation worsens during peak hours when energy demand surpasses initial estimates. For today, up to 800 MW of disruption is expected, again heavily affecting eastern provinces.
While there was a slight reduction in blackouts at the year's start, as noted on January 1st, conditions have deteriorated swiftly. The chronic issue of power generation deficiency in Cuba is officially blamed on fuel shortages and deteriorating power plants. However, recent disclosures suggest the real cause lies in systemic inefficiencies and poor energy resource management.
Enduring Power Struggles
In 2024, the UNE faced similar challenges, with disruptions exceeding 650 MW at December's end, stretching to more than 1,200 MW over several weeks. The ongoing power outages severely impact the Cubans' quality of life, causing constant interruptions in essential services and negatively affecting the country's already fragile economy.
Despite promises from the authorities to alleviate the crisis by developing photovoltaic parks, they have yet to offer concrete solutions or a sustainable recovery timeline. With expectations of recurring disruptions in the coming days, Cuba's electrical outlook remains bleak, highlighting the depth of a crisis showing no signs of a short-term resolution.
Voices of Frustration
Critical and sarcastic comments on the UNE's post reflect widespread discontent:
"We're still going up... The President said it from day one: 'We are continuity and we're going for more,' obviously referring to more blackouts, inflation, and shortages."
"Since the center and east of the country don't exist, I'll have to rent at 'The Misery View' in Havana, where the power never goes out."
"Now it turns out that in winter, with the cold, the demand is higher than in summer. Inexplicable!"
"I still don't understand how, with lower temperatures, holidays, and everything closed, demand increases."
"That's it! We're almost at the goal of a thousand-plus deficit. Keep it up, champions!"
"Let's make a little effort to meet the 1000 MW target tomorrow. Yes, we can!"
"Why not disconnect the East if we are the problem?"
"The deficit is gaining strength; we'll soon be back to where we were, with our dear blackouts."
"More cold translates to more demand according to the UNE. Astonishing how shamelessly they lie."
"This year we're going for the 2000 MW deficit record! We're going for more!"
These comments encapsulate the widespread frustration and irony with which Cubans confront the country's electrical situation.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Power Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily attributed to systemic inefficiencies and poor management of energy resources, despite official claims of fuel shortages and aging power plants.
How are Cubans responding to the power crisis?
Cubans are expressing their frustration and irony through critical and sarcastic comments, reflecting their dissatisfaction with the ongoing energy crisis.
What measures has the government proposed to address the crisis?
The government has promised to alleviate the crisis by creating photovoltaic parks, but no concrete solutions or sustainable recovery timelines have been presented so far.