- The power deficit in Cuba surpassed 1,600 MW, with widespread blackouts and continued outages due to failing thermal plants and fuel shortages.
- New solar parks added only 999 MWh on Saturday, April 5, offering minimal relief as demand far exceeds supply.
- Public frustration grows, with citizens facing unscheduled blackouts and questioning the reliability of government reports.
Cuba faces a worsening energy crisis. On Saturday night, April 5, the country recorded a 1,651 megawatt (MW) power deficit, according to Unión Eléctrica (UNE). The shortfall occurred at 8:20 p.m. during peak demand.
Power outages continued into Sunday, April 6, by 7:00 a.m., the National Electric System (SEN) supplied only 1,703 MW, while demand reached 2,715 MW. The country experienced a shortfall of over 1,000 MW.
UNE projected deeper losses throughout the day. Officials forecast a 1,200 MW deficit by midday. They warned of a 1,545 MW shortfall during evening peak hours, with a possible total impact of 1,615 MW.
Several factors drive the crisis. Thermal plants remain out of service due to breakdowns and maintenance. A fuel and lubricant shortage prevents over 500 MW of distributed generation from operating.
The government launched eight new solar parks to address the issue. On Saturday, April 5, these facilities produced 999 megawatt-hours (MWh). However, their contribution remains small compared to national demand.
Authorities continue to promote these solar efforts as part of a green transition. However, energy analysts and citizens argue the impact falls short. The solar parks fail to meet the country’s growing energy needs.
The grid also suffers from technical issues. On Friday, a malfunction at Havana’s Cuatro Caminos substation caused outages in parts of Cotorro municipality. The breakdown disrupted power in multiple neighbourhoods.
These failures put more strain on the fragile system. Residents endure lengthy blackouts without any warning or schedule. The uncertainty adds to public frustration.
Many Cubans voice their anger online. Social media users question government reports. They accuse UNE of downplaying the severity of the crisis.
People demand more transparency. They criticise the lack of detailed updates. Public trust in official statements continues to decline.
So far, the government has not offered a clear solution. Officials have not shared a roadmap for long-term recovery. Citizens must cope with the disruptions on their own.
Power outages impact daily life. Families lose food due to failed refrigeration. Businesses cut hours or shut down operations. The crisis affects the most vulnerable, including older people and children.
While the solar rollout marks progress, it falls short of the country’s needs. Without enough fuel or functional plants, the grid remains at risk.
Blackouts now define daily life in Cuba. Many residents see the power crisis as more than an inconvenience and it is a sign of more profound national challenges.