Cuba faces widespread power outages, up to 65% without electricity during peak hours

Cuba is bracing for significant power disruptions on Saturday, with the state-run Electric Union predicting that up to 65% of the country could be without electricity during peak evening hours. The national electrical system has been described as "critical" by the government, highlighting the severity of the ongoing energy crisis.

The widespread outages stem from the deteriorating condition of the island's thermoelectric plants. Many of these facilities, some decades old, are frequently offline due to breakdowns or maintenance. These plants are responsible for 40% of Cuba's energy mix. Compounding these issues, U.S. sanctions have reportedly hindered the import of essential fuels like diesel and fueloil, which are necessary for another 40% of the energy supply.

Experts suggest Cuba's energy crisis is a result of chronic underfunding in the sector combined with the impact of U.S. sanctions. The government accuses Washington of deliberately creating an "energy asphyxiation" of the island. The remaining 20% of Cuba's energy comes from gas and renewable sources, with a recent push towards solar power supported by China.

On Saturday, the Electric Union projected a generation capacity of 1,140 megawatts against a maximum demand of 3,250 megawatts during peak hours. This deficit means an estimated 2,140 megawatts will need to be disconnected to prevent uncontrolled blackouts, affecting a substantial portion of the population.