Tuesday was a day of chaos for electricity generation in Cuba, with more than 1,300 MW of power outages affecting the nation. The Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) had forecasted disruptions of 1,030 MW during peak hours. As the public awaited the daily information note from the state-run company, social media was flooded with complaints and comments from users reporting blackouts lasting up to 16 hours in various parts of the country.
"From the Telegram Channel of the Empresa Eléctrica de Mayabeque, it was reported that as of 9 pm, the country had over 1,300 MW offline due to a deficit," stated official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso in a Facebook post, sharing a screenshot of the provided information.
On Telegram, the company specified that Mayabeque experienced an "85 MW generation capacity deficit" and revealed that "the country is facing a generation capacity deficit of 1,336 MW."
Such a significant deficit (1,336 MW) indicates that the UNE was unable to supply 41.75% of the electricity demanded by its customers. The company had indicated earlier on Tuesday that peak demand would reach 3,200 MW. Nearly half of the electricity demand remained unmet, potentially resulting in almost 12 hours of blackout for all circuits connected to the national power grid, or fewer hours in some areas (such as Havana) and more hours in others (provinces).
At the time of writing, UNE reported that 1,347 MW were lost on Tuesday night, according to Alonso’s social media updates.
FAQs on Cuba's Recent Power Outages
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the recent power outages in Cuba, which have had a significant impact on the daily lives of residents.
What caused the massive power outages in Cuba?
The power outages were caused by a significant deficit in electricity generation capacity, with the country facing a shortfall of over 1,300 MW.
How long did the blackouts last?
In some areas, blackouts lasted up to 16 hours, significantly disrupting daily life for many residents.
What percentage of electricity demand was unmet?
The Unión Eléctrica de Cuba was unable to meet 41.75% of the electricity demand during peak hours.