A Cuban user, Adrián Coto (@AdrianCotoP), humorously suggested renaming the state-run electric company, Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE), on social media this Sunday. Coto proposed that the name be changed to “UFE: Union of Electrical Failures.” This sarcastic remark was in response to an official post from the company, which reported a new malfunction at the Naranjito substation in Havana, leading to the shutdown of several other critical substations across the capital.
Massive Blackout in Havana Due to Naranjito Malfunction
At 6:23 p.m., the reported failure left thousands of residents in neighborhoods such as Centro Habana, Old Havana, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, Diez de Octubre, and Cerro without power. This disruption further destabilized the electrical service amid the nation's worsening energy crisis.
According to the Havana Electric Company, the circuits began to be restored in phases, with most affected substations, including Apolo, Melones, Cerro, and Talla Piedra, being reconnected by 8:31 p.m.
Additional Power Cuts Amid Ongoing Crisis
Following the resolution of the initial malfunction, the company revealed that an additional 238 MW had to be cut due to an emergency, necessitating planned and reserve service interruptions.
During the same weekend, UNE announced that several previously malfunctioning generating units, such as those in Mariel and Cienfuegos, were synchronized with the National Electric System. This move was part of efforts to mitigate the blackout crisis, which has led to five total collapses in less than a year.
Insights on Cuba's Electrical Challenges
What caused the recent blackout in Havana?
The recent blackout was caused by a malfunction at the Naranjito substation, which affected several key substations in Havana.
How has the Cuban government responded to the electrical issues?
The Cuban government, through UNE, has been working to synchronize malfunctioning generating units with the National Electric System to address the blackout crisis.
What areas were affected by the power outage in Havana?
Neighborhoods like Centro Habana, Old Havana, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, Diez de Octubre, and Cerro were impacted by the outage.