Cuba Works to Restore Power After Nationwide Blackouts

Officials in Cuba announced efforts to restore electricity across the island after two consecutive nationwide blackouts within 24 hours. The first blackout on Thursday evening affected half of Cuba, followed by a complete island-wide power cut the next morning. President Miguel Diaz-Canel attributed the worsening power cuts to deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, increasing demand, and the impact of the US trade embargo on fuel acquisition for power stations.

Latest Updates on the Blackouts

The grid operator in Cuba, Lazaro Guerra, is working on restarting power plants to gradually bring electricity back to different parts of the country. Despite challenges, progress is expected to be made. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy reported partial restoration in some areas but acknowledged that most of the population remained without power. Essential services like hospitals are being powered by generators to ensure continued operations.

Restoring Regular Power

While immediate grid issues are being addressed, Cuba’s electricity crisis is ongoing due to limited crude oil production and decreased fuel deliveries. Emergency measures like leasing floating power plants and reducing electricity demand have been implemented. The government faced a similar blackout in 2022 post-hurricane damage, leading to protests and unrest.

Source: AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters