Cuba Faces Islandwide Blackout as Energy Crisis Deepens

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba is grappling with an islandwide blackout as its ongoing energy and economic crises intensify, and its power grid continues to deteriorate. The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced a “complete disconnection” of the country’s electrical system on Monday, stating that an investigation is underway and that no failures were detected in operating units at the time of the collapse.

Lázaro Guerra, the ministry’s electricity director, informed state media late Monday that crews are working to restart several thermoelectric plants, which are crucial for restoring power. “It must be done gradually to avoid setbacks,” he said, “Because systems, when remarkably weak, are more susceptible to failure.”

As darkness fell, residents in Havana resorted to candlelight, with reports of families gathering in darkened homes. Yuneici Cecilia Riviaux described preparing a mattress for her daughters, stating, “I don’t have a rechargeable fan or a generator.”

This marks the third major blackout to hit Cuba in the past four months. Tomás David Velázquez Felipe, a 61-year-old Havana resident, expressed growing despair, suggesting that those who can should consider leaving the island. “What little we have to eat spoils,” he said. “Our people are too old to keep suffering.”

Restoration Efforts and Prioritized Sectors

By Monday night, state-owned media reported that power had been restored to 5% of Havana’s residents, serving approximately 42,000 customers, as well as several hospitals across the island. Officials indicated that the communications sector would be prioritized next, while cautioning that the restored circuits remain vulnerable to further failures.

Underlying Issues and Government Response

Cuba’s aging electrical grid has been steadily deteriorating in recent years, leading to frequent outages and widespread blackouts. The government has also attributed its challenges to the U.S. Energy blockade, particularly after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba in January.

The Trump administration has demanded Cuba release political prisoners and move towards political and economic liberalization in exchange for lifting sanctions, and has even raised the possibility of a “friendly takeover of Cuba.” On Monday, Trump stated his belief that he could “free” or even “grab” Cuba, describing it as a “very weakened nation.”

The administration is reportedly seeking the removal of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power, and has engaged in talks with the Cuban government regarding the island’s future.

Expert Analysis and Long-Term Solutions

William LeoGrande, a professor at American University specializing in Cuban affairs, explained that the country’s energy grid has suffered from inadequate maintenance and is “way past its normal useful life.” He noted that technicians are working to keep the system running despite its condition.

LeoGrande suggested that Cuba could potentially manage with reduced consumption and expanded renewable energy sources, but warned that this would entail “constant misery for the general population” and could ultimately lead to economic collapse, social unrest, and mass migration. He indicated that increasing solar power would require significant support from countries like China.

Díaz-Canel stated on Friday that Cuba had not received oil shipments in three months and is relying on solar power, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants, leading to the postponement of tens of thousands of surgeries.

Residents are expressing frustration over spoiled food and the impact on their families. Yaimisel Sánchez Peña lamented the spoilage of food purchased with money sent from her son in the U.S., and the suffering of her 72-year-old mother. Mercedes Velázquez expressed resignation, stating, “We’re here waiting to see what happens.”

Economic Measures and International Trade

Deputy Prime Minister Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga announced Monday that Cuba is open to trading with U.S. Companies, while acknowledging the limitations imposed by the embargo. He also outlined new measures aimed at boosting the island’s economy, including allowing Cubans residing abroad to become partners or owners of private companies and participate in large-scale projects, including infrastructure development.

The government will also grant land usufruct for project development and allow Cubans abroad to open foreign currency bank accounts in Cuban banks to facilitate transactions.