The Cuban government has announced the supposed restoration of the National Power Grid, despite ongoing complaints on social media from users who remain without electricity following a complete blackout that plunged the entire island into darkness on Wednesday. The Ministry of Energy and Mines of Cuba reported on X that the system is operational again, with all provinces now reconnected.
The country endured a power outage lasting more than a day, precisely 28 hours. The crisis began at 9:14 a.m. on Wednesday when the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest in Cuba, unexpectedly went offline, causing the total collapse of the national grid. The plant, located in Matanzas, has not resumed operations yet. Official reports indicate that unit 6 of the Mariel plant has been reactivated, but no updates have been provided regarding Guiteras.
On Thursday, provinces gradually began reconnecting to the grid. The Ministry of Energy and Mines recently confirmed the reconnection of Artemisa, Granma, and Guantánamo, leaving Pinar del Río as the last province to join. This marks the fifth nationwide blackout in less than a year and the second in 2025, highlighting the government's failure to ensure a stable electricity service.
Since 2024, the Guiteras plant has repeatedly failed, compounded by issues in substations, transmission lines, and natural disasters such as Hurricane Rafael. Despite official statements lauding the reconnection of provinces, the harsh reality is that the Cuban people remain engulfed in uncertainty. For them, each blackout means spoiled food, damaged appliances, and digital disconnection in a nation already plagued by isolation.
The outdated energy infrastructure, lack of investment, and reliance on makeshift solutions have condemned millions of Cubans to a life of frequent blackouts and broken promises. The Cuban energy crisis has become emblematic of the systemic decay under state control.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Energy Crisis
What caused the recent nationwide blackout in Cuba?
The recent blackout was triggered when the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, the largest in Cuba, unexpectedly shut down, leading to the total collapse of the National Power Grid.
How long did the power outage last in Cuba?
Cuba experienced a power outage that lasted for 28 hours.
What are the recurring issues with Cuba's energy infrastructure?
Cuba's energy infrastructure suffers from frequent failures at the Guiteras plant, issues in substations and transmission lines, and the impact of natural disasters, all exacerbated by outdated systems and lack of investment.