Cuba suffers nationwide blackout after main power plant fails

Cuba is currently grappling with a significant crisis as the entire nation has plunged into darkness following the failure of its primary power plant. This unfortunate event occurred on October 18, 2024, when the Antonio Guiteras power plant, located in Matanzas, ceased operations, resulting in a total blackout that affected all 10 million residents of the island. The energy ministry announced that the power grid collapsed around 11:00 AM local time, and officials have since expressed uncertainty regarding the timeline for restoring electricity. This blackout is not an isolated incident; Cuba has been experiencing prolonged power outages for several months, which prompted the prime minister to declare an 'energy emergency' just a day prior to the blackout. President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has emphasized that addressing the power crisis is his 'absolute priority,' stating on social media that 'there will be no rest until power is restored. ' Lazara Guerra, the head of electricity supply at the energy ministry, indicated that efforts to restore power are in the early stages, but there is 'some level of electricity generation' that could be utilized to restart power plants in various regions of the country. In light of the blackout, officials have ordered the closure of all schools and non-essential activities, including nightclubs, until Monday. Non-essential workers have been advised to remain at home to conserve electricity, and citizens have been urged to turn off high-consumption appliances, such as refrigerators and ovens, during peak hours. Eloy Fon, an 80-year-old pensioner residing in central Havana, expressed his frustration, stating, 'This is crazy. It shows the fragility of our electricity system. We have no reserves, there is nothing to sustain the country, we are living day to day. ' Meanwhile, Bárbara López, a 47-year-old digital content creator, lamented that she has struggled to work for two days, declaring, 'It's the worst I've seen in 47 years. They've really messed up now. We have no power or mobile data. ' Despite the widespread blackout, a few buildings in Havana managed to maintain electricity. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero addressed the nation in a televised message on Thursday, attributing the electricity failures to deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and increasing demand. He identified the fuel shortage as the primary factor contributing to the ongoing energy crisis. Alfredo López Valdés, the head of the National Electric Union, acknowledged that the island has been facing a challenging energy situation, primarily due to shortages. Extended blackouts, especially one as extensive as this, create a tense atmosphere in Cuba, as the ability to maintain electricity is closely tied to public order. In July 2021, widespread protests erupted in response to prolonged blackouts, with citizens expressing their frustration over food spoilage in warm refrigerators and the discomfort of living without air conditioning or fans in the oppressive heat. Additionally, many buildings rely on electric pumps to supply water to taps, meaning that a lack of power also results in a lack of water. The absence of petrol at gas stations further complicates matters, as individuals are unable to commute to work or address urgent needs. The Cuban Government has become increasingly aware that many citizens have lost their fear of voicing their concerns about the daily challenges they face. Some individuals are even willing to take to the streets and chant anti-government slogans if conditions worsen. In March, hundreds of people in Santiago, Cuba's second-largest city, participated in protests, highlighting the growing discontent among the population.