Cuba Braces for Massive Power Outages

Cuba is expecting significant power outages this Friday, with up to 66% of the country's population likely to be affected during peak hours in the afternoon and evening. The energy crisis, exacerbated by an obsolete system and U.S. sanctions, has led to seven total blackouts this year. The state-owned Union Electrica predicts a generation capacity of 1,160 MW and a maximum demand of 3,300 MW, resulting in a deficit of 2,140 MW. Thermal power generation units and imported diesel/fuel oil sources are mostly affected, with only 20% of the energy mix coming from gas and renewable sources. Experts estimate that a complete overhaul of the system would require between $8,000 and $10,000 million.