A tanker truck collided with a power pole in Alamar, causing a blackout that lasted from Saturday night into the early hours of Sunday. "Late into the night and continuing into the morning, with help from local residents, a team from the UEB Habana del Este worked tirelessly to repair damage caused by a truck hitting a pole in Zone 19 of Alamar. Power was eventually restored in the area," reported the Havana Electric Company (EELH) on Facebook.
In addition to the usual power outages, Saturday was plagued by electrical incidents that further complicated life for Havana residents. An explosion at an electrical substation, along with various breakdowns, resulted in a massive blackout impacting several parts of Havana.
The Havana Electric Company announced through its official channels that the issue began with a fault on lines 9020-9015, which connect the Naranjito and Melones substations. This also affected the Talla Piedra substation, where an explosion occurred.
Authorities stated that firefighters promptly responded to the scene and were actively working to restore service as quickly as possible. The municipalities hardest hit by this outage included Centro Habana, Habana Vieja, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, 10 de Octubre, and Cerro, with many areas experiencing complete power cuts.
Hours after the initial report, the Electric Company also announced the unexpected shutdown of the Felton 1 unit, exacerbating the energy crisis in the capital where the deficit exceeded 120 megawatts.
Cuba has been grappling with an energy crisis for over five years, characterized by frequent breakdowns, a shortfall in power generation, and an outdated electrical system. Power outages have become a routine part of daily life, impacting not only the general population but also critical sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and services.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the blackout in Alamar?
The blackout in Alamar was caused by a tanker truck colliding with a power pole, leading to a service disruption.
Which areas were most affected by the power outage?
The blackout affected municipalities including Centro Habana, Habana Vieja, San Miguel del Padrón, Arroyo Naranjo, 10 de Octubre, and Cerro.
How did the Havana Electric Company respond to the incident?
The Havana Electric Company worked alongside local residents and deployed a team from UEB Habana del Este to repair the damage and restore power.
What is the current state of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba is experiencing an ongoing energy crisis, marked by frequent outages, insufficient power generation, and an outdated electrical infrastructure.