Cuba has begun the slow process of restoring power following a massive island-wide blackout that left the country in darkness.
Grid operator Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) expressed optimism that it would restart at least five oil-fired power plants by the end of the night. This would generate enough electricity to restore power to wider regions of the country.
In response to the ongoing power crisis, the Communist government had already closed schools and non-essential industries earlier on Friday. Most state employees were sent home in an effort to conserve electricity. Recreational and cultural venues, including nightclubs, were also ordered to shut down.
However, just before noon, the Antonio Guiteras power plant—the nation’s largest and most efficient—suddenly went offline, triggering a total grid failure and plunging the island into a complete blackout. Officials later announced that they were working on fixing the issue at the oil-powered plant but did not provide details on what caused its failure.
The blackout adds another layer of hardship for residents of Cuba, already grappling with shortages of basic necessities like food, fuel, water, and medicine. The power outage has made daily life even more unbearable.
In Havana, nearly all commercial activity came to a standstill on Friday. Locals sat outside their homes in the oppressive heat, while tourists, frustrated by the situation, struggled to adapt. By night, the city was almost entirely shrouded in darkness.
“We went to a restaurant and they had no food because there was no power, now we are also without internet,” said Brazilian tourist Carlos Roberto Julio, who had recently arrived in Havana. “In two days, we have already had several problems.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
