Cuba begins September with blackouts affecting up to 70% of the island at once

Cuba began September with another day of prolonged blackouts, with the largest simultaneous interruption expected to affect 70% of the island during the afternoon and evening demand peak.

The state Unión Eléctrica forecasts only 1,020 megawatts of available generation against maximum demand of 3,300 megawatts. The resulting estimated shortfall is 2,310 megawatts. Eleven of the country’s 16 thermal-generation units are out of service because of breakdowns or maintenance.

Blackouts have intensified in recent months. In Havana, outages have lasted 20 hours or more, leaving only two or three hours of electricity, while some provinces have reported more than two consecutive days without service.

Cuba has faced a severe energy crisis since mid-2024. The government says the national electricity system is critical and extremely tense, citing US sanctions and pressure on oil supplies alongside a heavily deteriorated energy system. The thermal plants, which provide 40% of the energy mix, are decades old and lack needed investment. Generation engines provide another 40%, but imports of diesel and fuel oil have been disrupted. Gas and renewable sources, including recently expanded solar power supported by China, account for the remaining 20%. Cuba estimates it needs about 100,000 barrels of oil a day for its energy needs, including 40,000 barrels from domestic production.