Total power grid failure: Cuba is without power
17 March 04:00
A massive power outage has occurred in Cuba, leaving approximately 11 million residents without electricity. The complete blackout serves as yet another sign of the deep energy and economic crisis currently plaguing the island. CNN reports this, citing a statement from the country’s power utility, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
What is known about the massive blackout
Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mining confirmed the complete blackout of the national power grid. Experts are currently working to determine the causes of the failure and gradually restore power.
Preliminary reports indicate that the power plants operating at the time of the failure did not record any critical technical malfunctions.
This is the third major blackout in the country in the last four months, indicating systemic problems in the energy sector.
Cuba’s energy infrastructure is in critical condition
Experts emphasize that the main problem is the outdated energy infrastructure, which has long been in need of modernization.
William Leogrande, a professor at American University, noted:
“Cuba’s energy infrastructure has long exceeded its normal service life. And the technical specialists who keep it running are essentially doing the impossible.”
According to him, if the situation does not change, the country could face serious consequences—ranging from economic decline to social instability and increased migration.
Fuel shortages are exacerbating the crisis
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that the country has not received oil shipments for the past three months. As a result, the power grid is forced to rely on a combination of alternative sources:
- solar energy
- natural gas
- thermal power plants
However, these resources are insufficient to meet the population’s needs. Cuba produces only about 40% of the oil it needs.
Financial challenges in the energy sector
Experts also note that the Cuban government has limited foreign exchange reserves for purchasing equipment and modernizing power plants.
This significantly complicates the restoration of the power grid and increases the risk of new accidents.
