Cuba's National Power Grid Collapses, Triggering Island-Wide Blackout

Cuba's state-run electricity union announced late Sunday that the national grid had collapsed, leaving the island without power. The union did not specify the cause or the timeline for restoration. Earlier reports from Havana's electricity provider cited damaged transformers, circuit failures and planned cuts due to insufficient generating capacity.

The outage affected multiple municipalities, including Guanabacoa, Habana del Este, La Lisa and Marianao, according to Reuters. Authorities typically respond to a total collapse by establishing isolated micro-grids to supply hospitals, water treatment plants and food facilities while larger generating units are gradually re-connected.

This incident follows two previous nationwide blackouts within the past nine days, each affecting roughly 10 million people and highlighting the country's difficulty in meeting electricity demand. Analysts attribute the recurring failures to aging thermoelectric plants, many over 30 years old, and a lack of spare parts and fuel.

The Cuban government has cited external restrictions on oil supplies as a factor, while other observers point to long-term underinvestment and management issues in the energy sector. The blackout has disrupted transport, water services, communications and medical care, and residents are facing challenges in preserving food and coping with summer heat.