Unending Crisis: 20-Hour Blackouts in Cuba Amid 2,300 MW Deficit

The energy situation in Cuba has reached critical levels by mid-March 2026. According to the latest reports from the Unión Eléctrica (UNE), the generation deficit has surpassed 2,300 MW, leading to power cuts lasting more than 18 to 20 hours across much of the country.

A acute fuel shortage, combined with critical failures at the nation’s main thermoelectric plants—such as Antonio Guiteras and Felton—has left millions of Cubans in total darkness.

What is causing the current blackouts?

The current crisis stems from a combination of structural and supply factors:

Fuel Deficit: Cuba has been unable to secure stable oil supplies needed to run its power plants at full capacity.
Thermoelectric Breakdowns: Generating plants, after decades of operation and a lack of capital maintenance, suffer from frequent failures.
Geopolitical Tensions: Difficulties in importing crude oil arise from a shortage of foreign currency and logistical hurdles.

Impact on People and the Economy

Massive blackouts not only disrupt domestic life—making it impossible to refrigerate food or rest at night—but also paralyze production and basic services. In Havana, while cuts are often less severe than in the interior, daily 8-hour blackouts have become the new norm.

Social unrest continues to grow, with reports of scattered protests and “cacerolazos” (pot-banging) in various towns, reflecting the desperation of a population that sees no short-term resolution to this energy crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why are there so many blackouts in Cuba today?

The outages are primarily due to a critical generation deficit caused by a lack of fuel and recurring breakdowns in the country’s aging thermoelectric plants.

2. How long do the power cuts last currently?

In many provinces outside Havana, cuts can last between 12 and 20 hours daily. In the capital, scheduled outages typically range from 4 to 8 hours.

3. When is the national power grid expected to improve?

Authorities have not provided a specific date for stabilization. It depends on the arrival of oil shipments and successful repairs at plants like Antonio Guiteras and Felton.

4. Which areas of Cuba are most affected?

The central and eastern provinces of the island usually report the highest energy deficits and the longest power outages.

Sources: Periódico Cubano, CiberCuba, EL PAÍS.