Cuba Slowly Restores Electricity After Third Nationwide Blackout In Six Months

Cuba began restoring electricity gradually on Tuesday after the country experienced its third nationwide blackout of the year, leaving millions without power and deepening concerns over the island’s ongoing energy crisis. The state electricity company Unión Eléctrica (UNE) reported that parts of Havana and other areas had started receiving power after a complete grid failure on Monday.

The nationwide outage was announced by UNE as a “total disconnection” of the National Electric System, cutting electricity access for Cuba’s population of around 9.6 million people. The company did not immediately provide a detailed reason for the collapse but later said power had returned to more than 30% of Havana, including several medical facilities and water distribution centres.

Cuban officials have linked the worsening electricity shortages to a lack of fuel needed to operate power plants. Lazaro Guerra, director of electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, said fuel shortages had made the restoration process more difficult. The blackout was the eighth major power failure recorded on the island since late 2024, adding to growing public frustration.

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Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed US sanctions and restrictions on fuel supplies for worsening the country’s energy problems. He said the government and electricity workers were working to restore the national grid despite what he described as an energy blockade. Washington, however, has defended its policies as part of broader pressure on the Cuban government.

The latest blackout comes as Cuba has already been facing extended daily power cuts, with some areas experiencing outages lasting more than 30 hours and rural regions facing shortages of over 70 hours. Residents have described the situation as increasingly difficult, with many unable to work, access internet services, or carry out daily activities due to unreliable electricity.

Cuba’s power system has struggled for years due to ageing infrastructure, particularly Soviet-era electricity plants that require significant maintenance and investment. The energy crisis has also affected food supplies, healthcare services, transportation, and economic activity, leading international organisations to warn about growing humanitarian challenges.

The Cuban government has blamed external restrictions for worsening economic conditions, while the United States has called for deeper economic and political reforms in exchange for improved relations. Despite ongoing discussions between the two countries, officials from both sides have said that major differences remain unresolved as Cuba continues to face its worst energy challenges in recent years.

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