The Cuban regime declared on Wednesday an emergency broadcast featuring Vicente De La O Levy, the Minister of Energy and Mines, scheduled for 6:30 PM. This announcement comes during the island's most severe electrical crisis of the year.
The broadcast will be aired on Cubavisión, Cubavisión Internacional, Canal Caribe, Radio Habana Cuba, and streamed on the social media platforms of Cubadebate and Mesa Redonda, as confirmed by the Union Electrica (UNE), the Ministry of Energy and Mines, and the Mesa Redonda program.
The stated reason for this urgent address is the "complex electro-energetic situation" facing Cuba, marking the worst period of the year for the National Electrical System (SEN).
On the same day, Díaz-Canel publicly acknowledged the crisis as "particularly tense," with a projected deficit of over 2,000 MW during the evening peak.
On Tuesday, the actual maximum shortfall reached 2,113 MW at 8:40 PM — the highest of the year — with only 1,230 MW available against a demand of 3,250 MW.
Díaz-Canel also admitted that in April, only one fuel ship arrived out of the minimum eight needed monthly, and due to lack of fuel, the country failed to generate 1,100 MW this Wednesday.
The minister's appearance occurs amidst heightened social tension. On Wednesday, residents of San Miguel del Padrón staged a pot-banging protest outside the municipal government office, demanding "electricity and food."
On Tuesday night, a similar protest erupted in Reparto Bahía with chants of "Down with the dictatorship!" and early Wednesday morning, residents of Marianao took to the streets with bonfires.
In April 2026, the Cuban Conflict Observatory recorded 1,133 protests, a 29.5% increase from April 2025, while the regime has responded with militarization and at least 14 arrests in Havana since March 6.
The energy crisis stems from the collapse of external fuel supplies: Venezuela halted shipments in November 2025, Russian oil ran out by late April 2026, and Mexico has largely suspended its deliveries since January 2026.
Adding to the pressure is international scrutiny. On May 7, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against GAESA and 12 regime officials, with a deadline of June 5 for foreign companies to sever ties with the Cuban military conglomerate.
This marks De La O Levy's second appearance on Mesa Redonda in under a month. On April 23, he announced four new 50 MW energy storage batteries, though the situation has not improved.
Cuba has experienced seven total SEN collapses in the past 18 months, the worst occurring on March 16, 2026, with a blackout lasting 29 hours and 29 minutes. The projected shortfall for this Wednesday exceeds 2,020 MW.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What is causing the severe power crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to the collapse of external fuel supplies, with countries like Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico halting or reducing their deliveries. This has left Cuba unable to meet its energy demands.
How has the Cuban government responded to the energy crisis?
The government has attempted to address the crisis through measures like announcing new energy storage systems, but these efforts have not resolved the ongoing shortages. Additionally, the regime has responded to civil unrest with militarization and arrests.
What international actions have been taken regarding Cuba's energy situation?
The international community, particularly the United States, has increased pressure on the Cuban regime. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against military entities and officials, urging foreign companies to cut ties by June 5.