Cuba has commenced power restoration in Havana following a widespread blackout affecting 10 million people. About 19% of residents in the capital have regained electricity, while efforts are underway to reactivate major power plants. Persistent issues with oil imports and outdated infrastructure have exacerbated the crisis, leading the government to pursue renewable energy options.
Cuba has begun restoring electricity to portions of its capital, Havana, after a nationwide power grid failure that left 10 million residents without power. On Sunday morning, approximately 19% of Havana’s electricity customers reported power restoration, though a timeline for complete recovery remains uncertain. The Felton power plant has been reactivated, which is significant for restoring electricity to eastern provinces, while the largest plant, Antonio Guinteras in Matanzas, has yet to be online.
The city of Havana, home to over two million inhabitants, has faced electricity outages since Friday evening, causing concerns about food spoilage for residents after a lengthy period without power. Only select tourist hotels, some restaurants, and private residences with generators maintained electrical service through the blackout. The electrical grid failure occurred due to a transmission line short-circuit at a Havana substation, triggering a full power generation shutdown across the island—the fourth national blackout since October.
Cuba’s existing oil-fired power plants are increasingly outdated and struggled to maintain electricity before the collapse, largely due to reduced oil imports from key partners such as Venezuela and Russia. Daily blackouts exceeding 20 hours have been commonplace for many Cubans. The government attributes the electricity crisis to a U.S. trade embargo from the Cold War era and recently imposed sanctions under the Trump administration, which aimed to implement a stricter policy against the Cuban government.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Cuban government is pursuing the development of large solar facilities, with assistance from China, as part of efforts to lessen dependency on older oil-fired electricity generation.
In summary, Cuba is slowly restoring power to Havana following a significant nationwide outage affecting millions. While some progress has been made in reviving electricity services through the activation of power plants, challenges remain due to outdated infrastructure and supply shortages. The government is working towards renewable energy solutions with international support, amidst ongoing external political pressures.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
