HAVANA, Oct 19 (The Real Republic) – Cuba’s electrical grid suffered a complete failure early Saturday morning, leading to a nationwide blackout just hours after officials had announced efforts to restore power. State media outlet CubaDebate reported that the national grid operator, UNE, declared a “total disconnection of the national electro-energetic system” at 6:15 AM.
“The Electric Union is working on its reestablishment,” the report stated.
BREAKING CUBA 🇨🇺
— SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) October 18, 2024
THE ALAMAR
BLACKOUT GRID HAD FAILD❗️
BLACKOUTS
CUBA POWER GRID FAILS, PLUNGING COUNTRY INTO DARKNESS‼️
POWER GOES OUT ON ENTIRE ISLAND OF CUBA LEAVING 10 MILLION PEOPLE WITHOUT ELECTRICITY‼️
VISUALS OF CUBANS HAVE BEGUN TO START BANGING POTS AND PANS… pic.twitter.com/j34HhhINXj
The grid first collapsed around midday on Friday when one of Cuba’s largest power plants failed, leaving over 10 million people without electricity. Prior to the failure, the government had already initiated measures to conserve fuel, sending non-essential state workers home and canceling school classes for children due to an existing electricity shortfall.
Despite the crisis, some areas began to see power restored in the evening, sparking hopes for a return to normalcy. However, the grid operator has yet to provide information on the cause of the subsequent collapse or an estimated timeline for restoration.
The Cuban government attributes the ongoing blackouts—often lasting between 10 to 20 hours per day—to a combination of deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and increased demand. Additionally, strong winds from Hurricane Milton last week have hindered fuel deliveries from offshore vessels to power plants.
Cuba Expectation vs Reality pic.twitter.com/gxrGxPosua
— Playteaux (@Playteaux1) September 16, 2024
Fuel supplies have dropped significantly this year as traditional partners like Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico reduced their exports to Cuba. Venezuela, a key ally, cut its subsidized fuel deliveries to Cuba by half, prompting the island to seek more expensive oil on the spot market.
The Cuban government has also pointed to the U.S. trade embargo and sanctions implemented during Donald Trump’s presidency as contributing factors to its ongoing fuel and maintenance challenges. In response, U.S. officials denied any involvement in the grid collapse.
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