After massive countrywide outage, Cuba gets some power back

HAVANA, Cuba: Cuba is slowly restoring electricity after a massive power outage left millions in the dark for two days, marking the worst blackout the island has experienced in at least two years.

Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced that around 500 megawatts had been restored to the electrical grid, though this is far below the 3 gigawatts normally generated.

On social media, de la O Levy confirmed that several substations in the western region had regained power, and two thermoelectric power plants were back online, with two more expected to resume operations soon.

Despite these improvements, parts of Havana and other areas remained in darkness, as the total output dropped from 500 megawatts to 370 due to ongoing issues.

The outage began on October 17 and escalated the next morning when a key power plant failure caused a nationwide blackout. Cuba's reliance on electricity for essential services, such as water supply, exacerbated the situation because taps ran dry in many areas.

This is Cuba's worst power crisis since a 2021 hurricane severely damaged its power grid. This year has also seen frequent outages, with some homes enduring up to eight hours without electricity daily. The current outage was triggered by increased energy demand from small businesses and residential air conditioners, breakdowns in aging thermoelectric plants, and fuel shortages.

The Cuban government has responded by implementing emergency measures to reduce electricity consumption. Schools and universities have been closed, nonessential services have been suspended, and some state-owned workplaces have shut down. Officials are also considering adjusting electricity rates for small- and medium-sized companies, which have expanded since 2021.

While progress is being made, there is no clear estimate for when full power will be restored. This blackout highlights the ongoing strain on Cuba's energy infrastructure as the country struggles with economic challenges and an overburdened electrical system.