Cuba Faces Nationwide Power Collapse With 2,100 MW Deficit

Cuba is experiencing a severe electrical crisis characterized by nationwide power outages and critical energy deficits. The Union Electrica reported a peak evening shortfall of 2,110 MW on July 20, which worsened to 2,128 MW on July 21. Available peak power has dropped to 1,080 MW against a maximum demand of 3,200 MW, meaning the network can meet only about 35% of the country's needs during peak hours.

The collapse is driven by equipment failures at the Máximo Gómez, Lidio Ramón Pérez, and Antonio Maceo thermal plants, as well as outages in Mariel, Santa Cruz, and Renté. Fuel shortages have halted operations at 106 distributed generation centers, including the Regla and Melones power barges. The Antonio Guiteras plant, the nation's largest, has suffered 17 unscheduled outages in 2026 and has not undergone major maintenance since 2010.

Public frustration has grown as blackouts in Havana average 20 to 24 hours daily, while some areas in Matanzas have reported 87 consecutive hours without electricity. In response, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz and Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy promised to restore the system. The Antonio Guiteras Contingent issued a plea for public trust and patience, citing the exhaustion of electrical workers struggling to stabilize the grid.