Cuba faces rolling blackouts affecting up to 70% of the island

Cuba is enduring one of its worst energy crises in decades, with state utility Unión Eléctrica (UNE) forecasting that up to 70% of the island will be simultaneously without power during peak evening hours on any given day. On Monday, the UNE projected a generation capacity of 1,240 megawatts against a maximum demand of 3,300 MW, leaving an estimated deficit of 2,060 MW and affecting 2,090 MW of load Source: El Caribe. The crisis has led to blackouts exceeding 30 consecutive hours in Havana and protests with caceroladas in several municipalities Source: infobae.

Causes

The government attributes the crisis to a combination of obsolete infrastructure and a US oil blockade imposed in January. Thermal plants, responsible for 40% of generation, are aging and frequently break down; on Monday, eight of 16 units were offline Source: El Caribe. Another 40% of generation relies on imported diesel and fuel oil, which the blockade has halted Source: diariolibre. Renewable sources and gas provide the remaining 20% Source: hoydo. Independent experts estimate that fully repairing the system would cost between $8,000 and $10,000 million Source: elcaribedr.

Impact

The blackouts have paralyzed the economy, which contracted 15% between 2020 and 2025 and could shrink another 6.5% this year Source: eldiado. In Havana, daily outages of 20 hours have led to a demographic collapse, with the population falling from 11 million in 2012 to an estimated 8 million Source: lavozar. Residents report scavenging for food and queuing at foreign consulates to emigrate Source: clarin.

Government response

Authorities have prioritized solar energy, with 54 photovoltaic parks operating and a program to build 92 more, but storage limitations mean solar does not help during evening peaks Source: El Caribe. Officials blame the US blockade, calling it "genocidal" Source: larepublicaco.