Cuba has been plunged into darkness, with millions of residents experiencing a widespread power outage that has lasted for two days. The crisis, described as one of the worst in recent years, has disrupted daily life and essential services across the island, leaving many Cubans struggling to cope with the lack of electricity and its cascading effects.
The culprit behind the blackout is the failure of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, a key power source located in Matanzas Province east of Havana. The plant suffered a critical failure late Thursday, leaving the entire island in the dark by Friday morning. Even in a country accustomed to frequent outages, this collapse was unprecedented outside of events caused by powerful hurricanes, such as Ian in 2022.
The crisis has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including increased energy demand from households and businesses, many of which have installed air conditioners this year. The Cuban government has also cited aging thermoelectric plants, insufficient fuel supplies, and limited maintenance resources due to US sanctions as contributing factors. These factors have pushed the country’s already strained power grid to its breaking point.
The Cuban government has blamed the deteriorating condition of its power plants on a lack of foreign currency and fuel shortages. The country produces only half of the oil it needs and relies on international allies, such as Venezuela and Russia, to supply the rest. However, due to sanctions, these imports have become increasingly difficult and costly, further hampering the government’s ability to maintain and upgrade its energy infrastructure.
In response to the crisis, Cuban authorities have implemented emergency measures, suspending classes and closing non-essential workplaces to curb electricity demand. The lack of power has also affected water supply services, as pumps have stopped functioning, leaving many residents without running water. The situation has forced many to rely on improvised solutions, with wood stoves appearing on the streets as people try to prepare meals before their food spoils.
The prolonged power outage has sparked fears of potential unrest, as past blackouts have triggered protests in Cuba. Demonstrations erupted in July 2021 over blackouts and shortages, drawing global attention to the government’s heavy-handed response. Smaller protests followed in October 2022 and March of this year. While officials haven’t confirmed whether similar protests are brewing, the government has indicated that it is reviewing electricity rates for businesses, a move that could be seen as an attempt to appease public frustration.
Adding to Cuba’s woes, the country is bracing for Hurricane Oscar, the 10th storm of the 2024 Atlantic season. The National Hurricane Centre issued warnings for the eastern provinces of Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas, with a dangerous storm surge expected to affect parts of southeastern Cuba and the Bahamas. The potential impact of the hurricane on an already struggling power grid adds another layer of concern.
Despite the challenges, Cuban authorities are working to restore power. They are using distributed generation and restarting gas-fired plants to bring electricity back to some areas. However, full restoration will take time, as the government grapples with limited resources and aging infrastructure. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the severity of the situation, posting on X, “We are devoting absolute priority to addressing and solving this highly sensitive energy contingency. There will be no rest until its restoration.”
To address the long-term energy challenges, Cuba is working to modernize its electrical grid with alternative energy sources. A project involving the construction of 31 solar power centers is in progress, with completion targeted for next year. The government hopes these initiatives will reduce the country’s dependence on oil-based thermoelectric plants and help stabilize the power grid in the long term. However, the current crisis highlights the fragility of Cuba’s energy system and the urgent need for investment in infrastructure and alternative energy sources to ensure a more reliable and resilient power supply.