Cuba faces widespread power outages as energy crisis deepens

Cuba is bracing for another day of extensive power outages, as the state-run Electric Union (UNE) forecasts that 62% of the country will experience blackouts during peak evening hours. This latest disruption highlights the severity of an energy crisis that has plagued the Caribbean nation since mid-2024, and has been particularly acute since January due to what the article describes as U.S. "oil siege."

The government has labeled the situation "critical." In Havana, blackouts have recently surpassed 22 hours daily, with some areas experiencing consecutive days without power. The UNE anticipates a generation capacity of 1,215 megawatts against a demand of 3,100 megawatts, resulting in a deficit of 1,885 megawatts. This shortfall will necessitate disconnecting 1,915 megawatts to prevent uncontrolled grid collapse.

Compounding the crisis, eight of the country's sixteen thermoelectric generation units are currently offline for repairs or maintenance. These plants, responsible for 40% of Cuba's power generation, suffer from decades of obsolescence and chronic underinvestment. An additional 40% of power generation is at a standstill due to a lack of fuel, a direct consequence of the U.S. sanctions. Smaller generation plants, including floating power stations, are also affected by fuel shortages.

Independent studies suggest that Cuba would need between $8 billion and $10 billion to revitalize its energy system. The persistent power cuts are exacerbating the island's economic woes, with the ECLAC forecasting a 6.5% contraction in Cuba's GDP for 2026, adding to a cumulative decline of over 15% since 2020. These energy shortages are also a significant driver of public frustration, evidenced by recent protests in Havana.