Cuba is grappling with severe power outages as the National Electric System (SEN) reported a staggering shortfall exceeding 2,100 MW. The peak shortage reached 2,147 MW at 6:30 PM the previous day, resulting in a continuous 24-hour disruption of service.
On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the SEN recorded an available capacity of just 1,420 MW at 6:00 AM, while demand stood at 2,149 MW, already leaving a deficit of 770 MW. Projections for midday anticipated an impact of 1,120 MW.
Major Disruptions in Power Generation
The report highlights significant breakdowns in several key units: the Unit 5 of CTE Máximo Gómez, Unit 5 of CTE Nuevitas, Unit 5 of CTE Antonio Maceo, and Unit 2 of CTE Felton. Additionally, maintenance work is ongoing at Unit 6 of CTE Mariel, Units 2 and 3 of CTE Santa Cruz, and Unit 4 of CTE Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in Cienfuegos.
Furthermore, thermal generation constraints have sidelined 450 MW, compounding the energy crisis.
Fuel Shortages Aggravate the Situation
The document details further setbacks due to fuel shortages, affecting 91 distributed generation plants (815 MW) and 87 MW unavailable due to a lack of lubricants, totaling 993 MW impacted by this issue.
For peak hours, the forecast includes the addition of 60 MW from Unit 5 of CTE Renté, 80 MW from distributed generation engines, and four engines from Moa's Fuel that were previously offline due to fuel shortages.
With these additions, the available capacity is expected to reach 1,610 MW against a peak demand of 3,400 MW, resulting in a projected deficit of 1,790 MW. If conditions persist as expected, the impact during peak hours could reach 1,820 MW.
Widespread Blackouts Hit Havana
In Havana, a city-wide blackout occurred on Tuesday, and the day before, the power went out at 6:04 PM. The peak impact was 408 MW at 6:00 PM, with service restored by 9:52 PM. Fortunately, there were no outages during the early morning hours due to capacity shortages.
The overall state of Cuba's electrical system remains dire, with prolonged and rotating blackouts exacerbated by generation deficits exceeding 1,800 MW. Breakdowns in key thermoelectric plants and fuel shortages have left large areas of the country without power for extended periods.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of power outages in Cuba?
The primary causes of power outages in Cuba include breakdowns in major thermoelectric power plants, ongoing maintenance issues, and severe fuel shortages affecting distributed generation plants.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy shortfall?
The government is attempting to address the energy deficit by repairing damaged units, conducting necessary maintenance, and seeking alternative methods to secure fuel supplies for power generation.