A chain reaction triggered by the shutdown of Unit 6 at the 10 de Octubre thermoelectric plant in Nuevitas, Camagüey, is believed to have caused the latest widespread blackout in Cuba this afternoon.
"The total shutdown of the National Electric System (NES) was due to the shutdown of Unit No. 6 in Nuevitas. From that moment, a cascading effect occurred on the machines that were online," the Electric Union (UNE) stated on Facebook.
"Currently, protocols are being implemented for the gradual recovery of the NES, and micro-grids and microsystems are being activated to supply power to critical centers, hospitals, and aqueducts. The restoration process is being coordinated by the National Load Dispatch Center in conjunction with provincial dispatch centers and the technologies that supply power to the country, with the presence of the Cuban Oil Union as well," they added, without providing a clear timeline for when the service will be stabilized.
Earlier, the UNE reported that the new massive blackout occurred following a complete disconnection of the National Electroenergetic System (NES) at 6:38 p.m.
This marks the second total NES shutdown within the same week, amidst a severe energy crisis exacerbated by the aging thermoelectric plants, lack of fuel, and frequent breakdowns, resulting in daily blackouts across much of the country. The situation is further worsened by the oil blockade imposed by the Trump Administration.
The first of these increasingly common general blackouts occurred last Monday.
On Friday, First Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, acknowledged that Cuba's distributed electricity generation is paralyzed due to fuel shortages, worsening the energy crisis affecting the nation.
During a press conference at the International Press Center in Havana, attended by journalists and participants of the so-called "Our America" solidarity convoy, Abad described the current situation as the most complex the NES has faced to date.
Abad explained that the country has gone three months without receiving supplies of diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, aviation turbo fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas, essential fuels for sustaining various economic sectors and electricity generation.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the latest blackout in Cuba?
The latest blackout in Cuba was caused by a chain reaction following the shutdown of Unit 6 at the 10 de Octubre thermoelectric plant in Nuevitas, leading to a cascading effect on the machines that were online.
How is the Cuban government addressing the power outages?
The government is implementing protocols to gradually recover the National Electric System, activating micro-grids and microsystems to supply power to vital centers, hospitals, and aqueducts.
What factors are contributing to Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is exacerbated by aging thermoelectric plants, fuel shortages, frequent breakdowns, and the oil blockade imposed by the Trump Administration.