Story perspectives

Cuba Faces Fifth Nationwide Blackout Amid Energy Crisis

9/11/2025

Summary

Cuba Endures Blackouts

On September 10, 2025, Cuba experienced its fifth nationwide blackout in under a year, affecting around 10 million people.
The blackout began at 9:14 a.m. local time, with the National Electric Union engaged in restoration efforts.
Outdated oil-fired power plants and decreased fuel imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico, exacerbated by US sanctions, led to the crisis.
Residents endure daily outages lasting up to 16 hours, resulting in frustration and rare anti-government protests.
The shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant contributed to the grid failure, but essential facilities like hospitals remained operational with backup systems.

History

Historical Context

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a severe energy crisis in Cuba, as the country lost crucial oil support. This resulted in widespread blackouts affecting millions. Today, ongoing blackouts, worsened by outdated infrastructure and U.S. sanctions, reflect Cuba's historical struggle for energy independence and the challenges of modernizing its energy sector, echoing the impacts of the past.

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Cuba Endures Blackouts

On September 10, 2025, Cuba experienced its fifth nationwide blackout in under a year, affecting around 10 million people.
The blackout began at 9:14 a.m. local time, with the National Electric Union engaged in restoration efforts.
Outdated oil-fired power plants and decreased fuel imports from Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico, exacerbated by US sanctions, led to the crisis.
Residents endure daily outages lasting up to 16 hours, resulting in frustration and rare anti-government protests.
The shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant contributed to the grid failure, but essential facilities like hospitals remained operational with backup systems.

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