Havana: Cuba has started the slow process of restoring electricity after the country’s national power grid collapsed, plunging much of the island into darkness and deepening an already severe energy crisis.
State grid operator UNE said electricity had been restored to some essential services, including hospitals and food production centres. However, by late afternoon, only about 1 per cent of Havana’s electricity demand was being met.
Nationwide blackout worsens crisis
Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the nationwide grid failure.
The latest blackout comes as Cuba continues to grapple with prolonged power outages caused by ageing electricity infrastructure, fuel shortages and reduced oil supplies. Many parts of the country had already been experiencing extended daily blackouts before the grid collapsed.
According to reports, nearly two-thirds of the country was already without electricity when the nationwide outage occurred.
Essential services prioritised
Officials said power restoration efforts are initially focused on critical infrastructure such as hospitals, food production facilities and other essential public services.
The outage marks the eighth nationwide blackout since October 2025 and the third major grid failure this year, highlighting the growing strain on Cuba’s electricity network.
Residents described worsening living conditions, saying the lack of electricity has made it difficult to work, sleep and cope with the Caribbean summer heat.
Fuel shortages add to challenges
The crisis has been aggravated by fuel shortages, with the Cuban government attributing part of the problem to reduced oil imports following tighter US sanctions and disruptions to fuel supplies from Venezuela and Mexico.
The United States has maintained that its sanctions are intended to increase pressure on the Cuban government, while Cuban authorities argue that the restrictions have severely affected the country’s energy security.
As restoration efforts continue, millions of Cubans remain affected by recurring power outages, with authorities working to stabilise the national grid and gradually restore electricity across the island.