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Cuba faces massive power outages amid energy crisis
Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis characterized by massive rolling blackouts. The state-run Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reports that during peak hours, power disconnections could affect up to 70% of national demand. This instability is driven by a critical state of the thermoelectric fleet, with nine out of 16 units currently out of service due to mechanical breakdowns or scheduled maintenance.
The crisis is attributed to a combination of chronic underinvestment in aging infrastructure and the impact of the U.S. oil blockade, which restricts the import of diesel and fuel oil necessary for generation motors. While solar energy has seen an increase in capacity with Chinese support, it remains insufficient to cover nighttime demand.
In response to the instability, authorities have reported over 460 criminal investigations into offenses against the National Electrical System since 2025. A prominent issue is the theft of dielectric oil from transformers, a crime occurring across 97 municipalities. Meanwhile, citizens have turned to creative survival methods, including using rechargeable fans, solar-powered tricycles, and manual tools to adapt to the frequent loss of electricity.
Entities
Cuba · Ministry of Energy and Mines · Ministry of the Interior · National Electrical System · United States · Unión Eléctrica
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities initiated over 460 criminal investigations into offenses against the National Electrical System between 2025 and the first half of this year. www.cubaheadlines.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A power disconnection of approximately 2,280 MW is forecast for peak hours, affecting 70% of national demand. cubanosporelmundo.com · reportediario.cl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Generation availability at dawn was 1,000 MW against a demand of 2,890 MW. cubanosporelmundo.com · reportediario.cl
- [● 2 SOURCES] Residents in Fontanar, Boyeros, held protests and blocked roads to demand electricity. cubanosporelmundo.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The theft of dielectric oil from transformers is a prominent crime affecting 97 municipalities. www.cubaheadlines.com
- [DISPUTED] Nine out of 16 thermoelectric generation units are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. cubanosporelmundo.com · reportediario.cl · dominicanaaldia.com · infoenn.com