# Energy instability in Caribbean and South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/energy-instability-in-caribbean-and-south-america
> Updated: 2026-08-19T19:30:45.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 2.

Regional energy stability remains under pressure across the Caribbean and South America due to fuel shortages, infrastructure issues, and environmental factors.

In Cuba, the energy crisis has intensified. The state utility Unión Eléctrica (UNE) projects that power outages could affect up to 68% of the island during peak demand hours. This is driven by a massive electricity deficit of approximately 2,210 megawatts, with generation capacity estimated at only 1,090 megawatts against a demand exceeding 3,300 megawatts. The crisis is compounded by the fact that seven of the 16 thermoelectric generation units are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. The government has attributed procurement difficulties for fuel and parts to U.S. sanctions. In response to the instability, residents in Cienfuegos have staged protests at the Provincial Government headquarters, demanding solutions to interruptions that impact food preservation and access to medicine.

In Puerto Rico, officials warned that energy reserves remained thin during summer peak demand periods, despite investments of over $200 million in infrastructure repairs.

In Colombia, the El Niño phenomenon has caused low water levels in reservoirs, reducing hydroelectric contributions to approximately 58% of historical averages and necessitating increased thermal generation. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, seismic activity and subsequent aftershocks have caused structural damage to transmission lines and power plants, leading to prolonged outages.

## Claims

- Cuba faces power outages affecting up to 68% of the island during peak demand hours. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Cuba's generation capacity is approximately 1,090 megawatts against a demand exceeding 3,300 megawatts. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Seven of the 16 thermoelectric generation units are out of service due to breakdowns or maintenance. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Residents in Cienfuegos protested at the Provincial Government headquarters due to prolonged power outages. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Cuba faces massive power outages affecting 68% of the island

Cuba faces a critical energy crisis with projected power outages affecting 68% of the island. A massive 2,210 MW deficit and broken thermoelectric units have sparked protests in Cienfuegos.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-scheduled-power-outages-announced-for-godoy-cruz-and-comodoro-rivadavia

### 2026-08-18: Energy stability efforts focus on renewables in Cuba and reserve management in Puerto Rico

Energy stability efforts vary across the Caribbean: Villa Clara, Cuba, expands solar energy use to combat fuel shortages, while Genera PR warns of thin energy reserves during the summer heat.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-stability-efforts-focus-on-renewables-in-cuba-and-reserve-management-in-puerto-rico

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Cite as: Energy instability in Caribbean and South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/energy-instability-in-caribbean-and-south-america