Cuba’s Electrical Grid Collapses Again, Plunging Island into Darkness

Cuba’s national electrical grid suffered another collapse, the Ministry of Energy and Mines announced, after a substation failure. This marks the fourth nationwide blackout within the last five months, exacerbating an already dire situation for the island nation.

Nationwide Blackout Grips Cuba

blackouts spread across a large portion of western Cuba on Friday, including the capital, Havana. The frequency of these outages is raising concerns about the stability of the country’s aging infrastructure and its ability to provide reliable power to its citizens.

Government response and Restoration Efforts

The Ministry of Energy and Mines communicated via social media that “at around 8:15 p.m. tonight, a breakdown … caused the notable loss of power in western Cuba and wiht it the fall of the national electricity system.”

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that the government was “working tirelessly” to restore power. He added, “In light of the unexpected disconnection of the National Electric System, work is already underway to ensure its speedy recovery.”

Reuters news agency reported that Havana’s waterfront skyline was entirely dark, with only a few tourist hotels running on generators. Citizen reports on social media indicate outages reached far beyond Havana, impacting provinces both east and west of the capital.

Cuban human rights activist Elsa Morejon posted images of the darkened capital, stating, “Havana went dark. massive blackout.”

The Cuba Electricity Union had previously cited plant failures and fuel shortages as reasons for service interruptions. A string of nationwide blackouts in late 2024 severely disrupted the country’s power generation system. Rolling blackouts, sometimes lasting for hours, have become a common occurrence.

Root Causes of Cuba’s Energy Crisis

Cuba’s electrical grid and oil-fired power plants are aging and poorly maintained, making them susceptible to breakdowns.These facilities,constructed decades ago,require significant investment to ensure reliable operation. The impact extends beyond mere inconvenience; it affects essential services and the overall quality of life.

The International Energy Agency reports that Cuba relies on crude oil for 80% of its electricity generation. With limited domestic fossil fuel production, the nation depends heavily on imports, primarily from Venezuela. However, Venezuela’s own economic struggles have led to decreased shipments to Cuba.

The reduction in oil shipments from Venezuela, combined with decreased exports from Russia and Mexico, has forced Cuba to purchase crude on the more expensive spot market, further straining the nation’s finances.

Cuba’s slow transition to renewable energy sources exacerbates the problem. Currently, only 4% of power generation comes from renewables, leaving the country vulnerable to the volatile global oil market. Expanding renewable energy infrastructure is crucial for long-term energy independence.

Looking Ahead: A path to Energy Independence

Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis demands a multi-faceted approach. Modernizing existing infrastructure, diversifying energy sources, and securing reliable fuel supplies are essential steps. Prioritizing renewable energy projects and attracting investment in these areas can lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient energy future. Failure to act will likely result in continued blackouts and further economic hardship for the Cuban people.