On Saturday, Havana's Electric Company reported that merely 1.5% of customers in the capital have electricity service following the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) on Friday night. While small areas in Centro Habana, Cerro, and San Miguel del Padrón have been reconnected via a microsystem in the city's west, the process remains highly complex and slow, according to a statement released on Facebook by the company.
The official report highlights that this microsystem provides just 6.3 MW of demand, a tiny fraction of what Cuba's capital requires but serves as an initial move toward restoring the service. The Electric Company assured that efforts are ongoing around the clock to recover the system, and updates can be followed through their social media channels and customer service number 18888.
The massive blackout on Friday was triggered by a malfunction at the Diezmero substation in Havana, leading to a total disconnection of the SEN across the island, particularly impacting the western region. The Ministry of Energy and Mines stated that the issue was linked to significant system oscillations, although the precise cause is still under investigation.
Residents from Havana, Guantánamo, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Camagüey, Holguín, and Las Tunas reported complete electrical outages, with some witnesses noting voltage fluctuations and flickering lights before the system's collapse. A Holguín Electric Company employee explained that the restoration process involves creating "energy islands," initially connecting thermal power plants before synchronizing with the broader system.
This incident marks the third SEN collapse since October 2024, underscoring the fragility of Cuba's electrical infrastructure. The previous nationwide blackout occurred in December due to a failure at the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant. As of Friday, Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) anticipated a partial recovery of 160 MW, including the reactivation of unit 6 at the CTE Rente.
Despite these efforts, the system's total capacity remains inadequate, with only 1,940 MW available against a peak demand of 3,250 MW, resulting in a 1,310 MW shortfall. This deficit severely impacts citizens and the economic sector. Authorities claim to be striving to stabilize the system, but the energy crisis continues to deepen, affecting the daily lives of millions of Cubans due to the regime's inability to implement lasting solutions.
FAQs on Havana's Current Power Crisis
What caused the recent blackout in Havana?
The blackout was caused by a malfunction in the Diezmero substation, leading to a total disconnect of the National Electric System (SEN) across the island, particularly affecting western Cuba.
What steps are being taken to restore electricity in Havana?
Efforts include creating "energy islands," reconnecting thermal power plants first before integrating them with the broader system. The process is ongoing and complex, with updates provided by Havana's Electric Company.
How does the power shortage affect Havana's residents?
The shortage severely impacts daily life and the economy, as the available power is significantly less than the demand, leaving a substantial deficit that disrupts services and businesses.