The state-owned Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) anticipates power outages affecting approximately 12% of the nation on Tuesday evening, following several weeks without reported shortages.
The last significant shortage occurred at the end of June, when outages impacted 17% of the country, as per UNE estimates.
The company predicts a peak generation capacity of 2,719 MW on Tuesday, with a maximum demand of 3,000 MW.
This results in a deficit of 281 MW, with an actual disconnection forecasted at 351 MW.
Increased demand due to rising summer temperatures (July-August) led to outages surpassing 20% mid-year.
The previous year witnessed outages often exceeding 50% due to generation capacity shortfalls.
The situation briefly worsened early this year due to multiple national grid failures.
After years of operation, Cuba’s National Electric System faces challenges with recurrent failures and breakdowns in its seven land-based thermal power plants.
Other issues include lack of investments and fuel shortages.
The Cuban government leased several floating power plants from a Turkish company to address declining generation capacity, a temporary yet expensive solution.
Additionally, maintenance was scheduled earlier this year to ensure power plants could operate during the summer months.
Frequent power interruptions have led to social discontent, contributing to massive anti-government protests two years ago.