A widespread power outage plunged eastern Cuba into darkness Wednesday night following a failure in the national power grid, impacting several provinces including Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second-largest city, according to the state electricity company.
Eastern Cuba Faces Widespread Blackout
The Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) reported the incident occurred at 8:54 PM local time, resulting in a complete disconnection of the electrical system in the eastern region. According to UNE, a failure at the Holguín 220 kV substation triggered the outage.
The blackout affected a significant portion of eastern Cuba, partially impacting the province of Holguín and completely cutting power to the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo – four of Cuba’s fifteen provinces. Santiago de Cuba, home to approximately 400,000 residents, was among the hardest hit areas.
Residents reported power interruptions beginning earlier in the afternoon, a common occurrence in a country grappling with frequent outages. “The electricity went out around 5:00 pm, but since it goes out all the time, I didn’t realize it was widespread,” Isabel, a 28-year-old resident of Santiago de Cuba, told AFP. She added that while internet connectivity remained, “everything else is off as always.”
Cuba’s electrical grid is plagued by regular interruptions due to aging infrastructure and a persistent fuel shortage. Eight thermoelectric plants, most built in the 1980s and 1990s, frequently experience breakdowns or require weeks of maintenance.
The Cuban government attributes difficulties in repairing and maintaining the system to U.S. sanctions. However, economists point to years of underinvestment as a key structural factor in the sector’s deterioration.
The current energy crisis is further complicated by international tensions surrounding oil supply. The U.S. embargo, in place since 1962, coincides with a three-year economic crisis in Cuba that limits access to foreign currency and weakens essential services.
The fuel shortage has been exacerbated by recent regional decisions. In early January, U.S. President Donald Trump gained control of Venezuela’s oil sector, ending the flow of crude oil and funds from Caracas to the island. This week, Trump announced that Mexico will cease supplying Cuba with oil following a decree threatening additional tariffs on any country providing crude to the Caribbean nation.
Washington justified its actions by invoking a “exceptional threat” that Cuba allegedly poses to U.S. national security. Mexico began sending oil to Cuba in 2023, and President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced her intention to send humanitarian aid to the island, seeking an agreement with the United States to resume energy supplies.
The crisis has also raised concerns within international organizations. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the humanitarian impact of the fuel shortage, with his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stating on Wednesday that “He is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Cuba, which will worsen or collapse if its oil needs are not met.”
Cuba has been experiencing a deep economic crisis for the past five years, characterized by a scarcity of foreign currency, eroding basic services, frequent power outages, inflation, and a lack of essential goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the blackout?
A failure at the Holguín 220 kV substation at 8:54 PM local time on Wednesday caused a complete disconnection of the electrical system in eastern Cuba, according to the Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE).
Which provinces were affected?
The provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo were fully affected, while the province of Holguín experienced partial service disruption.
What is contributing to Cuba’s energy crisis?
The energy crisis is linked to a lack of fuel, aging infrastructure, and a lack of investment in the electrical sector, according to the source.
As Cuba navigates this energy crisis, will international diplomatic efforts be sufficient to alleviate the immediate pressures and address the underlying systemic issues?
