More than half of Cuba faces a widespread blackout: they are in the dark in Havana
The energy crisis in Cuba has reached a new breaking point this Wednesday, March 4 (2026), leaving two-thirds of the island—including its capital—in total darkness after the collapse of the national grid.
TL;DR
- Two-thirds of Cuba, including Havana, experienced a total blackout on March 4, 2026, due to a national grid collapse.
- The incident originated from a critical failure in the Antonio Guiteras power plant's boiler.
- This blackout affected ten out of fifteen provinces and follows five general power outages since late 2024.
- Citizens face scheduled power cuts exceeding 15 hours in Havana and over a day in other provinces.
- Economists attribute the instability to a chronic lack of state investment, while the government cites US sanctions.
- US sanctions, particularly the halt of oil shipments from Venezuela since January 9, have severely impacted Cuba's energy sector.
- Extreme austerity measures, including gasoline rationing and suspension of diesel sales, have been implemented.
- Reduced hospital services are also a consequence of the ongoing energy crisis.
- The government views the recent expulsion of the Cuban diplomatic mission from Ecuador as an unfriendly act potentially linked to increased US pressure.