Up to 67% of Cuba to Face Simultaneous Blackouts Saturday Amid Energy Crisis

Cuba is bracing for widespread power outages on Saturday, with up to 67% of the country expected to be simultaneously without electricity during peak demand hours. This significant cut in supply, projected by the state-run Unión Eléctrica (UNE), underscores the deepening energy crisis gripping the island nation.

The Caribbean nation has been grappling with a profound energy crisis since mid-2024, which has worsened considerably since January due to U.S. oil sanctions. The situation has become so dire that on the previous day, Cuba recorded a new record for power cuts, with 71% of the island disconnected simultaneously during the highest demand period. The government has openly acknowledged the "critical" and "extremely tense" state of the National Electric System (SEN).

According to UNE, the projected generation capacity for Saturday's peak demand is 1,050 megawatts (MW), while the maximum demand is estimated at 3,100 MW. This leaves a deficit of 2,050 MW, leading to an estimated disconnection of 2,080 MW to prevent unmanaged blackouts. The aging thermoelectric plants, some decades old and lacking necessary investment, are a major factor. These plants, responsible for 40% of the energy mix and fueled by national crude oil, suffer frequent breakdowns. Currently, ten out of sixteen thermoelectric generation units are offline due to breakdowns or maintenance.

Compounding the issue, U.S. pressure has forced the shutdown of diesel and fuel oil-dependent generation engines, which account for another 40% of the energy mix. The remaining 20% comes from gas and renewable sources. Cuba requires approximately 100,000 barrels of oil daily to meet its energy needs, but only produces 40,000 barrels domestically. Independent estimates suggest that between $8 billion and $10 billion would be needed to revitalize the country's electrical grid.