Millions of people in Cuba were left in the dark on Friday when one of its main power plants collapsed, prompting a statewide blackout. The Antonio Guiteras thermal plant stopped operating, causing a full grid failure on the island and compelled the government to take immediate action, as the Associated Press reported.
However, the majority of Cuba’s 10 million people were still without power as UNE grid operator officials rushed to restart some oil-fired technology plants. In an effort to save energy, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced the closure of universities and non-essential business, sending the majority of state employees home.
People endured shortages of food, fuel, water, and healthcare during the shutdown. ” The strength went out at 8 in the morning and it is now 5 in the day and there is no light anywhere”, said Luis González, a 73-year-old resident in Havana.
During a televised address, Marrero linked the outage to a “perfect wind” of ancient system, rising desire, and energy shortages. He argued that” the gas shortage is the biggest factor,” citing issues caused by the constrained energy available to power plants from offshore canoes, which were made worse by the strong winds from Hurricane Milton. The Trump administration’s restrictions and the US trade sanctions also contributed to the government’s concern over the country’s ability to obtain energy and extra parts for its oil-fired plants.
The electric grid failing occurred just hrs after the Antonio Guiteras grow, Cuba’s largest and most economical, went online. Officials are also looking into the cause of the decline. The government took immediate action to reduce electricity need, including suspending classes and canceling outdoor activities, in response to the blackout. Some residents were left restless and frustrated, with some staying in their homes in the harsh heat. Brazilian holiday Carlos Roberto Julio expressed his frustration, saying,” We went to a cafe and they had no meals because there was no strength, now we are even without online”.
Despite the circumstances, the Cuban government reaffirmed that it was giving authority back priority. On X, President Miguel D’Azuel stated,” We are giving this extremely sensitive energy emergency absolute priority. There will be no sleep until its repair”.
As Havana descended into shadow, some sections of the money experienced flashes of light returning, mainly in big clinics. Several Cubans continued to face difficulties in their everyday lives despite the government’s efforts to restore power to the island following the common shutdown.
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