Cuba faced a nationwide blackout due to the failure of its largest power plant, causing chaos in the capital Havana. Schools closed, public transport stopped, and traffic lights ceased to function. With efforts underway to restore power, the energy ministry’s head, Lazaro Guerra, expressed optimism about reviving electricity generation for the island’s 11 million residents.
Economic crisis
Cuba’s power system collapse was linked to the shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant, exacerbating an existing energy crisis. With ongoing struggles in fuel procurement worsened by US sanctions, the island grapples with economic turmoil marked by high inflation and shortages.
To address the power shortfall, Cuba has adopted measures such as leasing floating power plants and deploying diesel generators. However, public discontent over recurrent blackouts and economic hardships persists, posing challenges to the government.