Cuba's national power grid collapses: Nationwide blackout reported

A nationwide power outage occurred in Cuba after the national electrical system went completely offline. Widespread darkness affected the island, where approximately 10 million people live, including the capital, Havana.

The state-owned electric company, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), announced that a "total loss of connection" occurred in the national electrical system at 10:43 p.m. local time on the night between Sunday, August 2, and Monday, August 3.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported that efforts have been initiated to restore the grid. No detailed explanation has yet been provided regarding the exact cause of the outage.

This latest collapse follows three nationwide blackouts that occurred in the country in July. A power outage also affected five provinces on the evening of Saturday, August 2, and the national system went offline again shortly after energy supply was restored.

Power outages affect not only lighting but also water pumps and cooling systems. In a country where summer heat persists, this situation makes daily living conditions even more difficult.

Cuba's electricity production relies heavily on old, oil-fired thermal power plants. Poorly maintained infrastructure, a lack of spare parts, and a decline in fuel imports are causing outages to become more frequent and prolonged.

Seeking solutions to the energy crisis, the Havana administration is taking limited steps in the strictly state-controlled sector. While the first foreign-capital fuel import initiative has been permitted, the way has been cleared for approximately 200 local businesses to participate in wholesale fuel distribution.

News Source: 12punto