Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) announced on Monday that the nation is grappling with a power generation shortfall exceeding 1,900 megawatts. This significant deficit is expected to cause widespread electricity disruptions throughout December 22, 2025, just two days before Christmas Eve.
According to the official report, the National Electric System (SEN) had a morning availability of 1,433 MW against a demand of 2,337 MW, leading to an initial shortfall of 904 MW. Projections for peak evening hours indicate a maximum demand of 3,400 MW, with the available capacity remaining at 1,433 MW, resulting in an anticipated shortfall of up to 1,997 MW.
Power Plant Failures and Fuel Shortages
UNE reported that outages continue for Unit 6 of the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Plant in Santiago de Cuba and Unit 2 of the Felton Thermoelectric Plant in Holguín due to technical failures. Additionally, three other units are under maintenance: Unit 6 in Mariel, Unit 2 in Santa Cruz del Norte, and Unit 4 in Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Cienfuegos.
The situation is exacerbated by shortages of fuel and lubricants, which have sidelined 95 distributed generation plants (899 MW) and the Moa Fuel Plant (108 MW), as well as rendering another 102 MW unavailable. Altogether, the system is losing 1,109 MW due to these issues.
Scheduled Outages in Havana
The Electric Company of Havana confirmed that service was interrupted on Sunday starting at 6:09 a.m., with a peak outage of 206 MW occurring at 6:20 p.m., and full restoration not achieved until after 10:30 p.m. However, for Monday, December 22, and into the early hours of the 23rd, a new schedule of rolling blackouts has been announced, with disruptions planned across various municipalities from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. the next day.
Authorities have cautioned that "these disruptions will depend on the demands of the SEN," implying they could worsen if the deficit persists or deteriorates further.
A Nation in Darkness as Christmas Nears
Social media was flooded on Monday with expressions of frustration and anger from Cubans fearing a holiday season without power. Comments such as "Merry Christmas in total darkness," "What a great Christmas gift we have coming, how nice, like the aborigines, what a lack of respect for a people who have done nothing but give their lives to this government, this is the little gift for educators too," and "Who cares about New Year's or anything, this is shameful in front of the world" reflect the public sentiment.
The government has not announced any measures to alleviate the ongoing energy crisis, which has persisted for over three years and severely impacts daily life and national production. Meanwhile, officials insist they are "working intensively" to restore thermal units and maintain service during critical times.
With the system strained to its limits and the population weary from constant outages, Cuba approaches Christmas Eve under the looming threat of an energy collapse.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the power outages in Cuba?
The power outages in Cuba are primarily due to a significant generation shortfall, technical failures in key thermoelectric plants, and shortages of fuel and lubricants.
How are Cubans reacting to the ongoing power crisis?
Cubans are expressing frustration and anger on social media, fearing that the holiday season will be marred by ongoing power outages, and criticizing the government's handling of the crisis.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The government has not announced any specific measures to mitigate the energy crisis, though officials claim they are working to restore thermal units and maintain service during critical periods.