AI Generated Image
Grid failure plunges Cuba into nationwide blackout
Al Jazeera • • nation
Key Points:
- Cuba’s national electricity grid collapsed again, causing a widespread blackout with no immediate explanation or timeline for restoration, according to the state-run Electric Union (UNE).
- Prior to the collapse, Havana experienced outages due to damaged transformers, circuit failures, and planned cuts linked to insufficient generating capacity.
- This blackout is part of a series of nationwide power failures in 2023, including three grid collapses within nine days in July, reflecting ongoing struggles to meet electricity demand.
- The Cuban electricity system is deteriorating due to fuel shortages, aging infrastructure over 30 years old, limited maintenance, and restricted access to oil and equipment caused by U.S. sanctions.
- Extended outages have severely impacted essential services such as transport, water, communications, and healthcare, while households face difficulties with food preservation, cooking, and coping with summer heat.
