Cuba Hit by Second National Power Cut in Less Than a Week
Cuba experienced its second national power outage in less than a week on Saturday, March 21. The Ministry of Energy of the island reported that the national power grid suffered a total failure, and restoration procedures are currently underway.
This blackout marks the seventh in the past year and a half. The outage was triggered by the shutdown of a unit at the Nuevita thermal power plant, causing a chain reaction that led to the disconnection of the national power grid.
As darkness fell over Havana, residents navigated the streets with flashlights or mobile phones due to the lack of electricity. Many expressed frustration at the recurring blackouts, with some businesses closing their doors early as a result.
The Cuban government has blamed the United States for the ongoing power issues, citing sanctions that prevent the country from repairing its aging electrical infrastructure. The disruption in oil deliveries from Venezuela, a significant supplier to Cuba, has also worsened the situation.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated, with Washington accusing Cuba of posing a security threat due to its proximity to the United States. In response, Havana accuses the Trump administration of trying to cripple the Cuban economy through sanctions.
Economists point to chronic underinvestment by the Cuban government in the electricity sector as a contributing factor to the power outages. The situation remains tense as both nations navigate the complex relationship amid ongoing challenges.
