energy
March 19, 2026
Cuba fully reconnects its power grid after national blackout
Cuba has managed to fully reconnect its national power grid after almost 30 hours of blackout, although power outages persist in large areas due to low generation capacity and the energy crisis.
TL;DR
- Cuba's national electrical grid has been fully reconnected after a national blackout lasting almost 30 hours.
- This was the sixth national blackout in Cuba within the last 18 months.
- Service interruptions persist in many areas due to low power generation capacity.
- Fuel shortages, linked to US oil sanctions, have complicated the restoration process.
- Key thermal generation units, like Felton, are still offline and not expected to reconnect soon.
- The energy crisis is a result of an obsolete electrical system and US sanctions, described as 'energy asphyxiation'.
- The crisis is severely impacting Cuba's economy and leading to social unrest, including protests.
- Rehabilitating the national power system is estimated to cost between $8 and $10 billion, a figure beyond Cuba's means.