economy
Blackouts will affect half of Cuba simultaneously during 'peak' hours this Sunday
Blackouts will affect up to 50% of Cuba simultaneously this Sunday during 'peak' hours, the time of maximum energy demand, according to data from the state company Unión Eléctrica (UNE), prepared by EFE. EFE Cuba has been suffering a severe energy crisis since mid-2024, worsened since the beginning of the year by the US oil blockade, a measure that has caused an almost total paralysis of its economy and fueled social discontent, a measure that the United Nations has described as contrary to international law.
TL;DR
- Up to 50% of Cuba could experience blackouts simultaneously during peak demand hours on Sunday.
- The crisis is linked to US oil sanctions and an obsolete energy infrastructure.
- The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest, suffered a breakdown, worsening outages.
- Seven out of 16 thermoelectric generation units are inoperable due to breakdowns or maintenance.
- The energy sector requires an estimated $8-10 billion for necessary reforms.