Cuba Power Outages: Deficit Surpasses 1,600 MW This March 2
The energy crisis in Cuba persists with a projected deficit of 1,678 MW for peak hours, leaving millions in the dark this Monday.
3 min read
Illustration: Aroma de Cuba (AI)
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) forecasted for this Monday, March 2, 2026, one of the most critical days of the year so far, with an estimated impact of 1,678 MW during the nighttime peak hours. The energy crisis, far from stabilizing, continues to punish the population with power cuts that in many provinces exceed 18 hours per day.
Details of the Energy Deficit Today
According to the official report, the availability of the National Electric System (SEN) for the peak demand hours is just 1,532 MW, against a maximum projected demand of 3,180 MW. This represents a generation deficit of 1,648 MW, forcing the disconnection of more than half of the load required for the country.
Causes of the Paralysis
The situation is due to a combination of several critical factors:
- Units Out of Service: Several key thermal power plants have breakdowns or are under scheduled maintenance.
- Fuel Shortage: The shortage of diesel and fuel oil prevents the operation of distributed generation (generator engines).
- Obsolete Infrastructure: The deterioration of the transmission networks increases energy losses.
Impact on Daily Life
In cities like Santa Clara, Holguín, and Santiago de Cuba, residents report that the electricity supply is “random,” receiving only a few hours of light in the early morning. The impact extends to water supply, food preservation, and the functioning of basic health services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which province is most affected by the blackouts?
Although the deficit is national, the provinces in central and eastern Cuba usually receive the largest cuts to protect the stability of the capital, Havana.
When will the electrical situation in Cuba improve?
There is no official recovery date. Authorities have mentioned constant maintenance, but the chronic lack of foreign currency to buy fuel remains the main obstacle.
Which generation units are out of service today?
Currently, units from the Mariel and Felton Thermal Power Plants have breakdowns that have taken important generation blocks out of the system.
How does the electricity deficit affect the water supply?
Most pumping systems in Cuba depend on the electrical grid; without power, the pumping stations stop, worsening the water shortage.
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Sources: Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE), Social media reports, Cubadebate.
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