Millions Without Power as Cuba Hit by Latest Major Blackout
Millions of people in Cuba were left without electricity on Friday following a major nationwide blackout, marking at least the sixth such incident this year.
Millions across Cuba experienced a widespread power outage on Friday after the country's entire electricity grid suffered a "total disconnection," according to Cuba's energy ministry. This incident plunged the nation into darkness, with power gradually being restored to some priority areas, including those near hospitals and water pumping stations in the capital, Havana, as reported by grid operator UNE.
Highlights
- The Friday blackout marks at least the sixth partial or total power outage to affect Cuba this year.
- The outage began just before 2:00 PM local time due to a transmission fault combined with adverse weather conditions in central Cuba.
- Cuba's aging electricity infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages are exacerbated by a US blockade on oil shipments.
- Hospitals are struggling to function, and schools and government offices have been forced to close due to the blackouts.
- Residents of Havana express frustration over the increasing frequency of power, water, and gas shortages.
Details
Cuba's electricity infrastructure is aging, and the nation faces chronic fuel shortages. These issues have been intensified by a US blockade on oil shipments to the communist-run country. Heavily reliant on fuel imports, Cuba has seen existing scarcities worsen due to tight US sanctions and an oil blockade implemented since the beginning of the year. Consequently, food and medicine have also become scarcer.
Felix Estrada, UNE's national load dispatch director, stated that protocols for the "gradual restoration" of power were activated, with the process continuing into Saturday. Havana residents voiced their frustration over the frequent outages. One resident remarked, "Lately, it's becoming a habit," while another lamented, "It's one thing after another: no water, no gas for cooking, no electricity."
Why it matters
The recurring blackouts have triggered rare protests in Cuba, where unauthorized demonstrations are illegal, and those who defy the ban risk imprisonment. Havana blames the fuel crisis on the Trump administration and denounces its sanctions. In contrast, Washington attributes Cuba's energy crisis to poor internal management and accuses the country of posing a "national security threat." This ongoing tension further strains relations between the two nations and significantly impacts the quality of life for the Cuban people.