Cuba Faces Mass Blackout as National Grid Shuts Down
According to its energy ministry, Cuba's electrical grid experienced a total shutdown on Friday, causing a nationwide blackout due to the failure of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant....
Facts
- According to its energy ministry, Cuba's electrical grid experienced a total shutdown on Friday, causing a nationwide blackout due to the failure of the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant.[1]
- The government has announced a three-day halt to all non-essential state services and businesses, with Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero stating there was no option but to 'paralyze the economy.'[2]
- The power grid reportedly collapsed at around 11:00 am ET, knocking out power to Cuba's 10M people. This came a day after Marrero declared an 'energy emergency.'[3]
- Though grid operator UNE said at least five of its oil-fired generation plants were expected to restart overnight, and by around 4:00 pm, micropower grid systems had started running in some areas, the nation experienced a second blackout on Saturday.[4][5][6]
- Millions of Cubans have been facing prolonged power outages for weeks. Blackouts often last up to 12 hours, and in some areas outside Havana, electricity is unavailable for over 18 hours a day.[2]
- While Marrero said 'the fuel shortage' has caused weeks of daily hours-long power outages, officials say heavy gusts and waves due to Hurricane Milton have hampered fuel deliveries from offshore boats to power plants.[2][4]
Sources: [1]CNN (a), [2]Al Jazeera, [3]BBC News, [4]Guardian, [5]Verge and [6]CNN (b).
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by New York Times. Cuba's energy crisis stems from years of neglect and mismanagement of the country's infrastructure. Recurring blackouts have been problematic since the 1990s because the aging electrical grid hasn't been upgraded. The government's reliance on outdated systems and failure to diversify energy sources has led to the current shortfall.
- Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Le Monde diplomatique. The energy crisis is a result of external factors beyond Cuba's control. US sanctions and financial persecution have made importing fuel and maintaining infrastructure impossible. The government is doing what it can in the face of Washington's embargo and taking the necessary steps to restore power.
