The Cuban Ministry of Energy and Mines announced on its official X account this Wednesday that progress is being made in restoring the National Electric System (SEN) following a massive blackout that left the island without power. According to the ministry, Energás Varadero is in the process of starting up, Boca de Jaruco is already supplying energy, and preparations are underway to start Unit 1 of the Santa Cruz Thermoelectric Plant.
These efforts are part of the authorities' attempts to reconnect the SEN after the fifth national power collapse in less than a year. The first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) in Matanzas, Mario Sabines Lorenzo, also shared updates on Facebook regarding the synchronization of Energás.
The Pattern of Failures
Recent history highlights the fragility of the SEN:
- October 18, 2024: General blackout due to a failure at the Guiteras plant.
- November 6, 2024: Total disconnection during Hurricane Rafael.
- December 4, 2024: Another outage caused by a malfunction at Guiteras.
- March 14, 2025: Collapse due to a failure at the Diezmero substation in Havana.
- September 10, 2025: Latest national outage due to an unexpected shutdown at Guiteras.
Just days earlier, on September 7, another malfunction left the eastern provinces from Las Tunas to Guantánamo without electricity, underscoring the increasing frequency and intensity of these widespread blackouts.
A Broken System
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) itself acknowledges that most of the thermal power plants have been operating for over 40 years without significant maintenance, suffering from outdated infrastructure, fuel shortages, and chronic lack of investment. The result is a structural energy crisis affecting every facet of life in Cuba, which the government has been unable to resolve despite repeated promises to stabilize the electrical system.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the recent national blackout in Cuba?
The recent national blackout in Cuba was part of a pattern of failures linked to outdated infrastructure and a lack of maintenance in the country's electric system.
How is the Cuban government addressing the power outages?
The government is attempting to restore connectivity by starting up various power sources and repairing existing infrastructure, though these efforts have been hampered by long-standing issues.
What is the impact of these outages on daily life in Cuba?
The outages have a profound effect on daily life, disrupting everything from household activities to industrial operations and healthcare services.