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Cuba's Blackouts: Generation Deficit Surpasses 2,000 MW

Cuba faces a critical energy crisis with a deficit of over 2,000 MW, leaving much of the island in the dark this Friday, March 6th.

By Zunzún · AI-assisted writing · reviewed by a person before publication

3 min read

Dark street in Old Havana during a massive blackout under a starry sky

Illustration: Aroma de Cuba (AI)

The energy crisis in Cuba has reached alarming levels this Friday, March 6, 2026. According to the daily report from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), a generation deficit exceeding 2,000 megawatts (MW) is forecast during peak hours, keeping more than half the country under prolonged power cuts.

Critical Situation of the National Electric System

The projected deficit for today is 2,075 MW, which represents nearly two-thirds of the estimated national demand of 3,050 MW. This situation is further aggravated by the decommissioning of key units in the country’s main power plants, including the iconic Antonio Guiteras in Matanzas, whose recent breakdown further destabilized the grid.

Causes of the Energy Collapse

  1. Fuel Shortage: The lack of foreign currency to import oil and its derivatives remains the main obstacle. Although a Russian tanker with supplies recently arrived, distribution and reserves have not been enough to stabilize the system.
  2. Maintenance and Breakdowns: The obsolescence of the power plants causes constant outages. Currently, several units are out of service due to mechanical failures or scheduled maintenance that has extended beyond expectations.
  3. Deteriorated Infrastructure: Years of insufficient investment in the transmission and distribution network complicate recovery after each massive failure.

Impact on the Population

Citizens report blackouts of up to 18 hours per day in provinces outside the capital, while in Havana, power cuts have intensified after a general failure that occurred earlier this week. Social unrest is growing in the face of no short-term solution for a crisis that affects food refrigeration, water supply, and communications.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the power deficit reported today in Cuba?

The Unión Eléctrica forecasts a maximum impact of 2,075 MW for peak hours on Friday, March 6, 2026.

Which power plants are currently out of service?

Several units are down, most notably the Antonio Guiteras plant, the most important in western Cuba, which suffered a major malfunction recently.

Is an improvement expected with the arrival of Russian fuel?

While the arrival of fuel provides partial relief, the deficit remains massive because much of the installed generation capacity is out of service due to technical issues.

Which provinces are most affected by the blackouts?

While the entire country suffers from cuts, central and eastern provinces often experience more prolonged and frequent blackouts than the capital.

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