The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued an official security alert on Friday for all American citizens currently in Cuba or planning to travel there, following a complete breakdown of the national power grid that left the island without electricity starting at 1:57 p.m. (Eastern Time).
The embassy cautioned that "the reason for the blackout is under investigation, and the estimated time for service restoration is unknown," further warning about widespread disruptions to mobile phone and internet services across Cuba.
Power Grid Collapse and Its Consequences
The blackout was triggered by the successive tripping of two 220 kV transmission lines: first the Matanzas-Cienfuegos line and then the Matanzas-Santa Clara line, leading to a cascading disconnection of the entire network.
The Electric Union (UNE) pointed to "unstable weather conditions" as a possible factor, though it did not provide a definitive explanation.
This marks the eighth total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) recorded so far in 2026, according to our records, or the seventh according to other international sources.
Pre-existing Energy Crisis
Even before the blackout, Friday was a critical day: available generation reached only 1,113 MW against a projected demand of 3,210 MW, with a maximum shortage of 2,007 MW expected.
The structural shortfall has surpassed 2,000 MW on multiple days in September, peaking at 2,396 MW on the 5th of the month.
The embassy described the situation in stark terms: "Cuba's power grid is increasingly unstable, with numerous nationwide blackouts recorded in recent months. The electrical system remains vulnerable, with additional outages — both scheduled and unexpected — occurring more frequently and for longer durations."
Pattern of Alerts from the U.S. Embassy
This is not the first time the U.S. diplomatic mission has issued such a warning. Throughout 2026, similar alerts were published in February, March, May, July, and August, each time the SEN experienced a total collapse. This practice has become routine due to the recurring widespread blackouts.
In response to the emergency, the embassy advised American citizens to keep phones and portable batteries charged, have flashlights with spare batteries on hand, stock up on non-perishable food and water, and prepare alternative methods for medical needs that rely on electricity or refrigeration.
Humanitarian Impact of the Electrical Crisis
The humanitarian impact of this electrical crisis goes beyond everyday inconveniences.
The United Nations warned on September 15 that power outages in Cuba jeopardize the vaccination of 70,000 children, highlighting the magnitude of a crisis the Cuban regime has failed to reverse after years of deteriorating thermoelectric infrastructure, chronic fuel shortages, and lack of maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba's Blackouts
What was the cause of the recent blackout in Cuba?
The blackout was caused by the successive tripping of two major transmission lines, leading to a cascading failure of the entire grid. The exact cause is still under investigation, with unstable weather conditions being a possible factor.
How often have these blackouts occurred in 2026?
According to our records, this is the eighth total blackout of the year, although some international sources report it as the seventh. Similar events have prompted alerts from the U.S. Embassy in previous months.
What advice did the U.S. Embassy give to American citizens?
The embassy recommended keeping phones and portable batteries charged, having flashlights with spare batteries, stocking up on non-perishable food and water, and preparing alternative methods for medical needs relying on electricity or refrigeration.
What is the humanitarian impact of these blackouts?
The United Nations has warned that the blackouts threaten the vaccination of 70,000 children, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing electrical crisis in Cuba.