The state company Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reported that this Saturday there will be prolonged blackouts in Cuba, which will simultaneously affect approximately 58% of the country during the time of greatest electricity demand, in the evening.
According to the official report, for that period a maximum generation capacity of 1,366 megawatts (MW) is expected, compared to an estimated demand of 3,200 MW, which represents a deficit of 1,834 MW. To avoid disorderly failures of the national electrical system, the UNE announced scheduled disconnections that will affect around 1,864 MW.
The energy crisis on the island has worsened since mid-2024, in a context marked by the shortage of foreign currency for the purchase of fuel, the impact of US sanctions and recurring breakdowns in thermoelectric plants that have been in operation for years, the company said.
Added to this situation, according to the Cuban Government, is the pressure from the United States on Venezuela to reduce or suspend the supply of crude oil to the island, one of its main energy suppliers.
Currently, according to the agency EFEsix of the 16 operational thermoelectric units are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. In addition, dozens of distributed generators are not working due to lack of fuel and lubricants, further limiting electricity generation capacity.
These conditions keep the national electricity system with supply well below demand. According to independent experts, this situation reflects years of underfinancing in the sector.
The prolonged blackouts continue to have a significant impact on daily life and the Cuban economy, which has contracted in recent years, and have also been one of the triggers for recent social protests on the island.
EFE/OnCuba
