Cuba is currently grappling with a significant energy crisis that is leading to widespread blackouts across the island. On February 10, authorities expect that more than 64% of the population will face electricity outages during peak demand times, a record high for the country according to the state-owned Electric Union (UNE). These outages highlight the severe deterioration of Cuba's electric grid and the challenges the country faces in meeting energy needs.

The ongoing situation has been attributed to various factors, including increased pressure from U.S. sanctions aimed at cutting off oil supplies to Cuba. A recent executive order by former President Donald Trump has further tightened these restrictions, making it difficult for Cuba to secure the necessary crude oil imports. This has led to a significant drop in energy availability, with blackouts becoming a common occurrence, especially during peak hours of demand.

The energy crisis in Cuba has roots in ongoing economic issues, but the current state of emergency has been compounded by external political pressures. The government's reliance on foreign oil imports has left the island vulnerable to fluctuations in supply, making the situation precarious. As Cuba continues to experience these rolling blackouts, the potential for social unrest grows, as citizens express their frustration with the repeated disruptions to their daily lives.