On Friday night, Havana experienced a significant Cuban power outage, leaving the capital and surrounding areas in darkness. The blackout began at approximately 8:15 p.m. local time due to a failure at the Diezmero substation on Havana's outskirts.

 Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines reported the incident, explaining that it caused "a significant loss of generation in western Cuba and, with it, the failure of the National Electric System."

The ministry took to the social platform X to assure the public, stating it is "working on the recovery process."

Cuban Power Outage Across the Country

The power outage left Havana’s streets dark and deserted, with only hotel windows illuminated by generator power.

Internet services also experienced disruptions. The blackout's reach extended beyond Havana, affecting provinces as distant as Guantánamo, Artemisa, Santiago de Cuba, and Santa Clara, where residents reported intermittent flickers of light.

Earlier reports from the Electric Union, the state agency overseeing the energy sector, forecasted peak-hour demand at around 3,250 megawatts.

The expected deficit was approximately 1,380 megawatts, which would result in 42% of the national energy system being offline. Although significant, this deficit is not the worst in recent years.

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Cuba’s Energy Crisis Deepens
Cuba has been grappling with frequent blackouts and a worsening economic crisis throughout the past year. The country suffered three major nationwide power outages at the end of last year, exacerbating the economic hardship.

 Fuel shortages and outdated infrastructure are the primary culprits behind the energy instability. Many Cuban households rely on electricity for cooking and water pumping, intensifying the crisis's impact on daily life.

In response, Cuban authorities have initiated plans to install photovoltaic parks, promising that dozens will be operational this year. Past blackouts have sparked anti-government protests in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

International Support Amid Crisis

Mexico has been supplying Cuba with barrels of crude oil and diesel since mid-2024, aiming to alleviate the energy shortfall.

This support comes at a critical time, following large-scale blackouts at the end of last year, which left 10 million Cubans without power for several days. 

The Cuban government attributes the ongoing crisis to the U.S. economic embargo. However, critics argue that Cuba's energy grid has suffered from years of neglect, with the government failing to invest in alternative energy sources like solar power—despite Cuba’s abundant sunshine.

The power crisis compounds Cuba's economic woes. The government recently increased gas prices, sparking rare public protests and further burdening Cuban families struggling to afford basic food items such as eggs and chicken.