Cuba's state-owned Unión Eléctrica (UNE) forecasts that 62% of the island will lose power simultaneously this Monday at peak demand. The energy crisis has deepened since mid-2024, worsening with the US oil blockade imposed in January. Nine of the country's 16 thermoelectric units are currently out of service.
Cuba is grappling with a severe energy crisis that will see simultaneous blackouts across 62% of the island this Monday, according to data from the state-run Unión Eléctrica (UNE), under the Ministry of Energy and Mines. At peak hours, generation capacity stands at 1,220 megawatts (MW) against a maximum demand of 3,150 MW, resulting in a 1,930 MW deficit and an estimated 1,960 MW disconnection to prevent uncontrolled failures. This marks the worst since March 7, when 68% of the island was simultaneously without power—the highest deficit since regular reporting began in 2022. Nine of the 16 thermoelectric units, which provide 40% of the energy mix, are offline due to breakdowns or maintenance. The Cuban government primarily blames the US oil blockade, described as 'energy asphyxiation,' while independent experts point to chronic underfunding of the sector combined with US sanctions. Amid this, Mexico delivered a third humanitarian aid shipment on March 13, carrying food to ease the crisis, adding to nearly 2,000 tons from prior deliveries. Vice Minister Josefina Vidal thanked Mexico's solidarity on social media.
