What happened to Cuba's power grid?

HAVANA — A new, widespread power outage plunged Cuba into darkness on Wednesday after one of the island's major power plants failed, leaving millions without electricity and forcing authorities to suspend classes and work activities indefinitely. Cuba's power grid collapses again. Why does this keep happening?

Is Cuba generating enough electricity?

Cuba said it was generating only enough electricity to cover about one-sixth of peak demand late on Wednesday, hours after its national grid collapsed leaving millions without power.

Why does Cuba have a power grid crisis?

While the collapse of the electrical grid comes as a surprise, the crisis is years in the making. Cuba’s power plants are dilapidated and in desperate need of maintenance. In addition, Cuba produces very little fuel of its own, meaning it relies on imports to keep the electrical grid afloat.

Why is there a power outage in Cuba?

Cuba's power grid has been plagued by frequent outages in recent months, with more than half of the country experiencing power cuts during peak hours. The outages are primarily caused by fuel shortages and aging infrastructure. In many parts of the island, electricity is crucial for cooking and water pumping.

How does Cuba get its power?

Cuba gets its power from large thermoelectric plants like Antonio Guiteras and some smaller ones, which run on crude oil. While the island produces about half of its own crude oil, it must import the remainder, which can be difficult — and costly — due to U.S. sanctions.

Does Cuba still have power after Hurricane Ian?

Yes. Following the passage of Hurricane Ian in September 2022, Cuba's grid collapsed, leaving the entire country without power for several days. Authorities eventually re-established service, but not before protests broke out in various cities across the island, including Havana.