An island-wide blackout left Cuba in the dark on Monday, highlighting the country’s ongoing energy crisis. About 10 million residents experienced power loss, though some areas regained limited service later. Cuba’s Electric Union reported a ‘total disconnection’ of the National Electric Power System and is investigating the cause.
Recent years have seen Cuba facing frequent power outages due to fuel shortages and deteriorating electrical infrastructure. The situation worsened when former President Donald Trump imposed more sanctions and threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
Impact of the Blackout
During Monday’s blackout, public transportation stopped, and tens of thousands of surgeries were canceled nationwide according to Associated Press reports. Authorities mentioned one generating unit resumed operations roughly two hours later. The Electric Union stated that microsystems are operational to protect essential services.
International Tensions
There are accusations against the U.S. concerning its role in Cuba’s energy troubles. Cuba’s Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy expressed efforts to restore power amidst what he described as an ‘energy blockade’ by the U.S. President Miguel Díaz-Canel echoed these sentiments, condemning U.S. policies as ‘genocidal’ aimed at inducing a social upheaval.
Geopolitical Factors
Tensions rose earlier this year when a U.S. military operation caught Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and halted oil exports from Venezuela, crucial for Cuba. Cuba produces only 40% of its required fuel; a Russian tanker delivered 730,000 barrels of oil in March but supplies ran out by April.
Efforts to conserve fuel have led to scheduled power outages sometimes exceeding 24 hours. Recent outages have affected Cuba’s western provinces and even led to an island-wide blackout in March.