On Wednesday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel took to his X account after a prolonged silence, following a massive blackout that plunged the island into darkness. He assured the public that efforts are being made to restore the nation’s electrical grid. "Efforts are underway across the country to reconnect the national electrical system. Energy is already being directed to the thermoelectric plants to trigger the entire process. Each province is implementing its measures, as is already known. Communication with our people has improved," the leader stated.
Criticism Amid Crisis
Díaz-Canel's post came after he faced criticism for "disappearing" during the initial hours of the blackout, choosing instead to comment on the bombings in Gaza while millions of Cubans dealt with power outages and uncertainty. This contrast heightened public frustration over the leader's apparent disconnect from domestic issues.
Fifth Nationwide Blackout in Less Than a Year
This blackout marked the fifth instance of a nationwide power outage in Cuba in under a year, highlighting the vulnerability of the National Electric System (SEN). The outage began at 9:14 a.m. when the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, Cuba's largest, unexpectedly went offline, causing a complete SEN collapse.
Recent incidents illustrate the ongoing struggle:
- October 18, 2024: Nationwide blackout due to Guiteras failure.
- November 6, 2024: Total disconnection during Hurricane Rafael.
- December 4, 2024: Another outage caused by Guiteras breakdown.
- March 14, 2025: Collapse due to failure at Diezmero substation, Havana.
- September 10, 2025: Latest national blackout after Guiteras' unexpected shutdown.
Just days prior, on September 7, another failure left the eastern provinces without electricity from Las Tunas to Guantánamo, underscoring the increasing frequency and severity of these massive outages.
A Collapsed System
The Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) has admitted that most of the country's power plants have been operational for over 40 years without major maintenance. The outdated infrastructure, coupled with fuel shortages and minimal investment, has turned the energy crisis into a structural issue that disrupts daily life for Cubans, a problem the government has yet to resolve.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why are there frequent blackouts in Cuba?
Cuba experiences frequent blackouts due to its aging power plants, lack of maintenance, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient fuel supplies.
What was the cause of the recent nationwide blackout?
The latest nationwide blackout was triggered when the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the country's largest, unexpectedly went offline.
How has the Cuban government responded to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government claims to be working hard to address the energy crisis, though many citizens criticize the lack of effective solutions and communication.