Huge power outage in Cuba leaves millions in darkness

Cuba’s Latest Power Grid Collapse: A Nation in Darkness

The latest collapse of Cuba’s national power grid has plunged the island into darkness, leaving millions without electricity. The blackout occurred on Friday evening around 8:15 PM local time (00:15 GMT) after a failure at the Diezmero substation in Havana triggered a chain reaction, shutting down power generation across the country. By Saturday morning, the state-run power operator, Union Electrica (UNE), reported that only a mere 225 megawatts (MW) of electricity were being generated—less than 10 percent of the nation’s total demand. Critical sectors, such as hospitals, are being supported by parallel circuits and generator units, but the vast majority of the population remains without power.

A Perfect Storm of Power Cuts and Economic Crisis

This latest grid failure is the first of 2024 and comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with one of its most severe economic crises in decades. The island has already endured three nationwide blackouts in the final months of 2024, two of which lasted for several days. The recurring outages have become a norm for Cubans, with residents in Havana experiencing near-daily power cuts of four to five hours and those in other regions facing rolling blackouts that have stretched up to 20 hours a day in recent weeks. The situation has left many frustrated and exhausted, with no clear end in sight.

Economic Constraints and Reliance on Venezuelan Oil

At the heart of Cuba’s power struggles is its deepening economic crisis, exacerbated by United States sanctions that have constrained its access to fuel and spare parts. For years, Cuba has relied heavily on subsidized Venezuelan oil to meet its energy needs. However, this supply has become increasingly precarious as Venezuela itself battles its own economic turmoil. The uncertainty of this arrangement has left Cuba vulnerable to disruptions, further complicating its efforts to maintain a stable power supply.

The Human Toll of the Blackouts

The impact of the blackouts is being deeply felt by Cubans, who are struggling to cope with the disruptions to their daily lives. In Havana, residents expressed their frustration and despair as the latest outage took hold. Abel Bonne, a Havana resident, summed up the collective uncertainty, telling Reuters, "Right now, no one knows when the power will come back on." For many, the blackouts have become a constant source of stress, disrupting everything from work to household chores. Karen Gutierrez, a 32-year-old ice cream seller,lamented the situation, saying, "My God, this is terrible, we’re in for a dark weekend."

Cuba’s Quest for Energy Independence

In an effort to address its energy shortfall, Cuba is racing to install at least 55 solar farms by the end of 2024, utilizing Chinese technology. These facilities are expected to generate 1,200 MW of power, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the nation’s total electricity demand. This push toward renewable energy is part of a broader strategy to reduce Cuba’s reliance on imported fuel and mitigate the impact of future blackouts.

A Frustrated Population and Ongoing Struggles

The recurring blackouts have exacerbated the frustration of the Cuban population, which is already dealing with the challenges of a failing economy. Andres Lopez, a 67-year-old resident of Holguin, expressed his exasperation, saying, "It really bugs me. Let’s see when they get it [the power] back on." The situation has left many questioning the government’s ability to manage the crisis effectively. The ongoing power shortages have become a symbol of the deeper economic and infrastructure challenges facing Cuba, as the nation struggles to find a sustainable path forward.