Cuba's Power Grid Faces Near 2,000 MW Deficit Amid Ongoing Outages

Cuba's national electricity system is experiencing a significant generation shortfall. The Union Electric (UNE) reported that at 06:00 h the grid had only 1,090 MW available while demand stood at 2,557 MW, leaving 1,510 MW unserved. Forecasts for the upcoming peak‑demand period predict a deficit of about 1,990 MW to 2,020 MW, with available capacity projected at 1,060‑1,090 MW against a maximum demand of 3,050 MW.

The shortage is attributed to multiple thermal units offline for faults or maintenance—including units at CTE Guiteras, Ernesto Guevara, Felton, and Mariel—and limited fuel supplies affecting distributed generation. Renewable output from 54 new solar photovoltaic parks contributed 3,310‑3,376 MWh, with peak solar power of 455‑490 MW, but was insufficient to offset the gap. The ongoing deficit is expected to persist if conditions remain unchanged.