Cuba Sets Blackout Record: 64% of Country Without Power

On Tuesday, February 11, Cuba reached a grim historic record: 64% of the national territory was without electricity during peak demand hours, according to official data from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE).

A Record No One Wanted

This figure surpasses the previous historic maximum of 63%, recorded just on January 31. The escalation of blackouts reflects the depth of a crisis that the Cuban government attributes to the US “oil siege,” following the January 29 presidential order threatening tariffs on any country supplying oil to the island.

According to Infobae, the thermoelectric plants—obsolete and without spare parts—cannot cover even a fraction of the country’s needs.

The Numbers Behind the Collapse

For Wednesday, February 12, the UNE forecasts:

• Generation capacity: 1,290 MW
• Estimated maximum demand: 3,050 MW
• Deficit: 1,760 MW
• Estimated impact: 59% of the country during peak hours

Of the 16 operational thermoelectric production units, 6 are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. Among them, two of the three largest in the country.

Four Weeks Without Distributed Generation

President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged last week that distributed generation—diesel and fuel oil engines—has been completely paralyzed for four weeks due to fuel shortage. This source represented approximately 40% of Cuba’s energy mix.

As we reported yesterday about the record 800 MW solar generation, renewable energy offers partial relief during the day, but is insufficient to cover nighttime demand.

The Impact on Daily Life

According to El Nacional, independent experts estimate that between $8 billion and $10 billion would be needed to restore the Cuban electrical system, which has been entirely in state hands since 1959.

Meanwhile, the government has implemented emergency measures that include:

• Reduction of hospital services to the bare minimum
• Closure of universities and offices
• Restriction of public transportation
• Gasoline sales virtually suspended

The energy crisis has also been the trigger for the main protests in Cuba in recent years.