Cubans Rely on Batteries, Generators as Latest Power Blackout PersistsCuba, Panama, and Venezuela are all experiencing blackouts at the same time.
Millions of Cubans remain without power after a major failure in the national electric grid. The blackout, which began Friday night, is the fourth in six months. Officials blame the latest outage on a substation failure in Havana’s suburbs.
The latest blackout hit Cuba at around 8 p.m. local time on Friday. By Saturday, internet and phone service remained intermittent. Many households and businesses struggled to cope with the prolonged outage.
Lazaro Guerra, Cuba’s director of electricity, stated on national television that power was being generated to support hospitals. However, millions of residents still faced uncertainty.
The Cuban Electricity Union announced a strategy to restore electricity through “microsystems.” These localized grids were already operational in provinces like Guantanamo, Santiago, Las Tunas, and Pinar del Rio. In Sancti Spiritus, officials reported that over 200,000 customers had electricity through these systems.
Food Spoilage and Cooking Challenges
Many Cuban families rely on electric appliances for cooking. The outage threatened food supplies, as refrigerators stopped working in the tropical climate.
Cecilia Duquense, a 79-year-old resident of Central Havana, expressed her frustration. “When I was about to start cooking spaghetti, the power went out. And now what?” she asked.
On Saturday, many Havana residents went out to buy food. Some businesses operated on battery power or small generators. Gas stations remained open, but the tunnel under Havana Bay was dark.
Recurring Power Failures Highlight Deeper Problems
Cuba has suffered repeated blackouts in recent months. The most recent occurred in October, November, and December. The latest outage is the first in 2025, but energy shortages also forced authorities to suspend schools and work in February.
Experts attribute these disruptions to fuel shortages and aging power plants. Most of the country’s plants have operated for over 30 years, making them prone to breakdowns.
Economic Crisis Intensifies Energy Woes
Cuba’s economic crisis has worsened power shortages. Analysts cite multiple factors, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation has surged due to domestic economic policies, while U.S. sanctions have further strained resources.
As Cuba grapples with these challenges, residents continue to rely on generators, batteries, and candles. Until officials find lasting solutions, power outages will likely remain a part of daily life on the island.
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