Cuba began restoring limited power by Friday evening after a nationwide blackout caused by the collapse of a major power plant.
Although some areas, particularly in Havana, regained electricity, many residents remained in the dark as efforts continued to stabilize the grid, according to Reuters.
Cuba experienced a nationwide blackout after the Antonio Guiteras power plant, its largest and most efficient, went offline.
Grid operator UNE announced plans to restart at least five oil-fired generation plants overnight, aiming to expand electricity access across Cuba.
The Cuban government closed schools and non-essential industries on Friday, sending most state workers home in a last-ditch attempt to manage severe power shortages.
Recreational and cultural activities, including nightclubs, were also ordered to shut down to conserve energy.
Shortly before midday, the Antonio Guiteras power plant, Cuba’s largest and most efficient, went offline, leading to a total grid failure that left the entire island without power.
Officials reported late Friday that they were addressing the issues that caused the oil-fired plant to fail, although they did not specify the exact cause.
The blackout represents a significant crisis for Cuba, where residents are already facing severe shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine, making daily life increasingly difficult.
Nearly all commerce activities on Friday in Havana came to a standstill, with residents sitting on doorsteps in the heat and tourists frustrated by the conditions. By nightfall, the city was largely shrouded in darkness.
“We went to a restaurant and they had no food because there was no power, now we are also without internet,” said Brazilian tourist Carlos Roberto Julio, who had recently arrived in Havana. “In two days, we have already had several problems.”
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero attributed the worsening blackouts to a “perfect storm” of issues familiar to many Cubans, including deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and rising demand for electricity.
“The fuel shortage is the biggest factor,” Marrero said in a televised message to the nation.
