The energy-saving measures come as government struggles to restore grid and surveys hurricane that killed seven.
Cuba is facing a severe electricity shortage and recovering from a deadly hurricane, leading the government to extend the closure of non-essential workplaces and schools until Sunday. This decision was made by Cuba’s National Defence Council to focus on essential services like hospitals amid the ongoing crisis.
The power outage was triggered by the collapse of the largest power plant in the country, resulting in a domino effect across the energy grid. The situation was further exacerbated by Hurricane Oscar, which caused flooding and damage to power infrastructure, resulting in the loss of seven lives.
Despite efforts to restore power, significant challenges remain as 30 percent of the country still faces an energy deficit during peak hours. President Miguel Diaz-Canel assured affected residents that support is available, particularly in hard-hit areas like San Antonio del Sur.
The energy crisis in Cuba reflects a broader economic struggle, with shortages of essential resources like medicine, food, and water. Díaz-Canel has warned against public unrest and emphasized the need for structural reforms to address systemic issues.