Cuba suffers a new nationwide blackout: 'There is a total disconnection of the electrical system'
Cuba experienced a nationwide blackout, the sixth in a year and a half, attributed to a total disconnection of the national electrical system amid an ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by U.S. oil embargoes.
Cuba has faced another national blackout, marking the sixth occurrence in just a year and a half, as reported by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem). The blackout was caused by a total disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN), with investigations underway to determine the causes. This blackout is part of a broader energy crisis that has been intensifying since mid-2024, greatly affecting daily life and the economy in Cuba.
The energy crisis in Cuba is largely attributed to a combination of internal mismanagement and external factors, including a stringent oil blockade imposed by the United States. This blockade has severely hampered the import of oil, which is essential for the country's energy production and overall economic functionality. The impact of these blackouts on the population has been significant, leading to increased social unrest as citizens struggle with power outages that disrupt their daily routines and diminish access to essential services.
Restoring the national electrical system is anticipated to be a slow and tedious process that could take several days. The government typically initiates the restoration by using easier energy generation sources, like solar and hydroelectric power, to gradually provide service to smaller areas before integrating them back into the larger grid. The uncertainty surrounding the timeline for restoration continues to add to the frustration felt by many Cubans who are already facing considerable challenges due to the ongoing energy crisis.