Cuba faces another widespread power outage

Saturday 15 March 2025 - 15:39

By: Zahouani Ilham

Cuba faces another widespread power outage

Havana – A massive power outage struck Cuba on Friday night, affecting Havana and several provinces, plunging millions into darkness. The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported that the blackout began around 8:15 p.m. local time due to a failure at the Diezmero substation on the outskirts of Havana, leading to a significant loss in electricity generation across western Cuba. As a result, the National Electric System collapsed.

The ministry stated it was actively working to restore power. Streets in Havana were left dark and deserted, with the only light coming from hotels with backup generators. Internet access was also impacted.

Reports from provinces such as Guantánamo, Artemisa, Santiago de Cuba, and Santa Clara indicated power disruptions, with brief flickers of light. Earlier, the Electric Union, the government agency overseeing the energy sector, warned that peak-hour demand would reach 3,250 megawatts, creating a deficit of 1,380 megawatts, or 42% of the national energy system.

This is not the first widespread outage Cuba has experienced. Last year, the country suffered three significant blackouts, exacerbating the nation’s ongoing economic crisis. The national power grid has been facing persistent challenges, primarily due to fuel shortages and outdated infrastructure. Electricity is essential for everyday activities like cooking and pumping water in many areas.

In response, the government has launched a program to install photovoltaic parks, with several expected to be operational later this year. Power outages have previously sparked anti-government protests in 2021, 2022, and 2024.