[REVISION HISTORY]

Energy and utility instability in Caribbean and South Am

Updated 47 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-29 16:44 UTC → 2026-10-03 18:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, with widespread power outages affecting up to 66% of the country simultaneously. Following a total system collapse on September 18, 2026, the National Electric Union (UNE) reconnected the national transmission infrastructure by September 19. However, the crisis has since expanded to impact other essential utilities. The state telecommunications company, ETECSA, reported that frequent outages caused over 80% of radio base sites and nearly 70% of telecommunications cabinets to shut down, resulting in a 58% drop in internet traffic. Additionally, a pipeline rupture has disrupted manufactured gas services across seven municipalities in Havana, affecting food preparation. ETECSA noted that technical repairs are being delayed by up to two months due to difficulties in transporting personnel and equipment. The energy deficit remains critical due to ongoing failures at major thermoelectric plants. The Antonio Guiteras plant briefly rejoined the National Electroenergetic System (SEN) with 150 MW on September 27, but disconnected late Sunday night due to a leak in the burner front wall. Meanwhile, the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes plant in Cienfuegos reported that unit 3 is out of service due to a steam leak in a high-pressure heater. As of 6:00 AM on September 27, system availability was only 1,240 MW against a demand of 2,750 MW, with peak hour deficits projected to reach 1,840 MW. ~~Cuban authorities attribute these persistent failures to aging infrastructure~~ By October 1, service disruptions persisted for 24-hour periods. Technical limitations include broken units at CTE Mariel, CTE Guiteras, CTE Felton, and ~~fuel shortages caused by United States economic sanctions~~ CTE Renté, alongside maintenance at CTE Santa Cruz, CTE Nuevitas, and ~~blockades.~~ CTE Renté. Thermal generation limitations are estimated at 377 MW.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.