This Saturday, Cuba faces one of the most challenging days in its extended electricity crisis. The Electric Union (UNE) has forecasted a nighttime peak shortfall of 1,920 MW, which represents nearly two-thirds of the anticipated maximum demand of 3,200 MW.
On Friday, power outages lasted throughout the entire day, including the early morning hours, with real peak disruptions reaching 1,898 MW at 9:40 PM, according to the UNE's official report.
By 6 AM Saturday, the situation was already dire: the National Electric System had only 1,310 MW available against a demand of 2,730 MW, with 1,454 MW already affected at that time.
By noon, the agency estimated an impact of 1,300 MW, and during peak hours, they projected a shortfall of 1,890 MW. Combined with the system's conditions, this would raise the disruption to 1,920 MW.
Causes of the Power Crisis
Immediate causes include multiple breakdowns and simultaneous maintenance: the first unit of the Habana Thermoelectric Plant (CTE), the second unit of the CTE Felton, and the third and fifth units of the CTE Renté are out of service, while the fifth units of CTE Mariel and Nuevitas, and the sixth unit of CTE Renté, remain under maintenance.
Thermal generation limitations account for 509 MW, according to the UNE.
As a partial offset, Cuba's 54 photovoltaic solar parks contributed 3,396 MWh on Friday, with a peak output of 550 MW at midday. However, this generation capacity falls short of meeting nighttime demand.
Historical Context of the Energy Deficit
Saturday's figure, while extremely high, falls below the peaks recorded in early May when the crisis reached its most severe point.
The absolute record for deficit in 2026 was set on May 14, when the UNE reported a shortfall of 2,174 MW with only 976 MW available against a demand of 3,150 MW, leaving 70% of the national territory simultaneously without electricity.
On the same day, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy publicly admitted that Cuba was "out of fuel" and described the situation as "acute, critical, and extremely tense."
The crisis intensified following the depletion of a Russian donation of 100,000 tons of crude oil, which arrived on the island on March 31 and was consumed by early May, leaving the thermoelectric system without fuel backup.
Cuba has experienced at least seven total electrical system collapses in 18 months, including a nationwide blackout of 29 hours and 29 minutes on March 16, 2026, while in several provinces, outages have extended from 20 to 24 hours daily.
Understanding Cuba's Electricity Crisis
What caused the recent power outages in Cuba?
The recent power outages in Cuba were primarily caused by multiple breakdowns and maintenance activities at key thermoelectric plants, along with a lack of fuel resources following the depletion of a Russian crude oil donation.
How much of Cuba's electricity demand is currently unmet?
Cuba is currently facing a deficit of nearly 1,920 MW, which is about two-thirds of the total electricity demand of 3,200 MW projected for peak hours.
What are the prospects for resolving the electricity crisis in Cuba?
Resolving the electricity crisis in Cuba requires addressing the operational issues at thermoelectric plants, securing consistent fuel supplies, and potentially expanding renewable energy sources like solar power to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.