On Monday, Cuba is grappling with one of the most severe days in its ongoing energy crisis, with power outages potentially affecting more than 1,985 MW during peak evening hours, according to official reports from the Unión Eléctrica.
As of 6:00 AM, the National Electric System's capacity stood at a mere 1,430 MW against a demand of 2,750 MW, leaving 1,305 MW already impacted since early morning.
For the evening peak, projections indicate a supply of only 1,245 MW to meet a demand of 3,200 MW, resulting in a shortfall of 1,955 MW. This means over half the country could be without power.
The previous day was similarly dire, with maximum outages reaching 1,887 MW by 10:00 PM, exceeding planned levels due to the unexpected shutdown of unit 4 at the CTE Cienfuegos, as reported officially.
The Impact of Felton Plant Shutdown
This Monday adds another setback: unit 1 of the CTE Felton — officially known as Lidio Ramón Pérez, located in Mayarí, Holguín — will be offline for maintenance for 96 hours, marking four additional days without that capacity.
The Felton plant has long-standing issues: its unit 2 is non-operational, and Block 2 has been undergoing rehabilitation since 2019, with repairs expected to continue until 2027-2028.
Widespread Power Plant Failures
Additional outages include units 2 and 3 at the CTE Ernesto Guevara De La Serna and unit 5 at the CTE Antonio Maceo. Meanwhile, units 5 at Mariel, 6 at Renté, and 5 at Nuevitas remain under maintenance, leading to a total of 425 MW offline due to thermal generation constraints.
Decline in Oil Supplies
The crisis's escalation has been linked to a crucial factor acknowledged by the regime: the depletion of oil donated by Russia. On March 31, the Russian vessel Anatoly Kolodkin arrived at the port of Matanzas with 100,000 metric tons of crude oil — approximately 730,000 barrels — marking the first significant shipment in over three months.
However, Miguel Díaz-Canel described this delivery as "symbolic," admitting it covered only 10 days of national consumption and reactivated just over 100 MW.
Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy warned on April 22 during the Mesa Redonda that this fuel would last only until the end of April. As expected, the Russian oil ran out with no new shipments confirmed for May, sending the deficit soaring above 1,500 MW.
Structural Challenges and Renewable Energy
The structural predicament is dire: Cuba requires 100,000 barrels of oil daily but produces only 40,000 locally, barely covering 40% of its needs.
Since November 2025, the island has stopped receiving Venezuelan crude following Nicolás Maduro's capture. In February 2026, Mexico also suspended shipments, driving blackouts to historic levels.
The 54 installed solar photovoltaic parks contributed 3,620 MWh this Monday, reaching a maximum capacity of 531 MW at noon. However, this energy vanishes when it is most needed: during the critical evening peak.
The system has experienced at least seven total collapses in the past 18 months, including a nationwide blackout on March 16, 2026. Without new crude supplies in sight, Cubans face weeks of outages that could surpass all previously recorded levels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is primarily due to a lack of sufficient oil supplies, maintenance issues at key power plants, and a failure to meet national energy demands.
How is the Felton plant affecting the power supply?
The Felton plant's shutdown for maintenance significantly reduces the power supply, exacerbating the electricity deficit and leading to widespread outages.
Why is Cuban oil production insufficient?
Cuba produces only 40,000 barrels of oil daily, which is insufficient to meet its demand of 100,000 barrels, covering just 40% of the country's energy needs.
What role do solar parks play in Cuba's energy crisis?
Solar parks provide some renewable energy but fail to meet peak demand times, as their energy contribution diminishes during crucial evening hours.