Matanzas Suffers Prolonged Blackouts Exceeding 30 Hours Amidst...

Qué pasó

Whole neighborhoods in Matanzas are experiencing electricity outages lasting over 30 hours continuously. This situation marks one of the most critical moments of the current energy crisis in Cuba.

The power outages have reached up to 48 hours in some municipalities, according to citizen complaints. This widespread and prolonged lack of service is causing significant disruption.

Dónde y cuándo

The province of Matanzas is currently experiencing these extended blackouts. The situation escalated by Saturday, March 1, 2026, when the province was in a state of "maximum shutdown," with 82 MW affected.

The problem stems from a combination of breakdowns and maintenance in several key thermoelectric power plants across the nation, affecting power availability throughout the day and night.

Por qué es importante

These prolonged blackouts highlight the profound structural issues within Cuba's energy sector. The continuous power interruptions significantly impact the daily lives of citizens, affecting everything from home comfort to economic activities.

The crisis underscores deeper financial problems, aging technology, and import limitations within the country. Without sustained recovery in base power generation, these issues will persist, leading to social and economic instability.

Qué dicen las partes

The Matanzas Electric Company confirmed the critical situation, as reported by the official newspaper Periódico Girón. The National Electric Union (UNE) indicated a national deficit exceeding 2,000 MW versus availability.

Breakdowns occurred at units in CTE Mariel, Santa Cruz del Norte, Felton, and "Antonio Maceo." Maintenance was underway at plants like Nuevitas and "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes." Residents in Cárdenas and Jagüey Grande reported outages up to 47 hours.

Qué viene ahora

Authorities plan to incorporate distributed generation, including barges and fuel engines. However, experts caution these are only partial solutions to the structural collapse.

The continued dependence on thermal generation, coupled with import challenges, suggests that prolonged blackouts will remain a reality for Matanzas and other regions until fundamental energy infrastructure issues are addressed.