Cuba managed to restore some power to its grid by mid-evening on Friday, hours after a countrywide blackout left nearly all of its 10 million residents in the dark. The blackout followed the collapse of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the largest and most efficient in the country.
In response to the crisis, the Communist-run government closed schools, non-essential industries, and sent most state workers home. Recreational and cultural activities, including night clubs, were also ordered to shut down.
Despite these measures, the Antonio Guiteras plant went offline around midday, leading to a total grid failure. While some parts of Havana, including major hospitals, saw power restored by evening, the vast majority of the island remained without electricity.
Officials are working to resolve the issue at the Antonio Guiteras plant, although the exact cause of its failure has not been disclosed. The blackout has intensified the already dire living conditions in Cuba, where residents face shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero blamed the blackout on deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and rising demand. He cited the disruption caused by Hurricane Milton, which has hindered the island’s ability to deliver fuel from boats offshore to power plants.
The Cuban government also pointed to the US trade embargo and sanctions imposed by former President Donald Trump as factors exacerbating their difficulties in securing fuel and spare parts.
Cuba’s largest oil supplier, Venezuela, has significantly reduced shipments to the island, sending an average of 32,600 barrels per day in the first nine months of the year, compared to 60,000 bpd in the same period of 2023. Russia and Mexico have also decreased their fuel shipments to Cuba.
With fewer options, Cuba has been forced to rely on the more expensive spot market for fuel, straining the near-bankrupt government’s finances.
For many Cubans, the nationwide blackout was a continuation of their regular power outages. Residents like Carlos Manuel Pedre turned to simple pastimes, such as playing dominoes, to cope with the situation.
Brazilian tourist Carlos Roberto Julio expressed frustration, noting the lack of food and internet during the blackout. The blackout disrupted commerce in Havana, leaving the city almost completely dark by nightfall
As Cuba grapples with severe power shortages and infrastructure issues, the nationwide blackout underscores the urgent need for a sustainable solution to its energy crisis. The government’s efforts to restore power continue, but the island remains in a precarious situation.
