Cuba found itself shrouded in darkness once again as a major power plant failure plunged the island into a widespread blackout. Early Wednesday morning, millions of people were left without electricity, marking the third such incident in just six weeks.
The latest outage struck when the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant, located east of Havana, abruptly shut down. As one of the island’s primary power sources, its failure triggered a complete loss of electricity nationwide. By morning, efforts were underway to restore electricity gradually, starting with parts of Havana.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O, reassured the public during a televised address that full power restoration was expected by the following day. However, this incident is part of a troubling pattern for Cuba, which recently endured another blackout compounded by Hurricane Oscar’s destruction and later Hurricane Rafael’s impact.
Frequent power outages have been a growing concern across the country, primarily due to aging infrastructure and persistent fuel shortages. More than half of the nation has experienced power cuts during peak hours, heavily impacting daily life where electricity is essential for cooking and water pumping.
Cuba’s reliance on large, oil-powered thermoelectric plants like Antonio Guiteras has made it vulnerable. Though the island produces some of its own crude oil, U.S. sanctions complicate the importation of additional supplies, traditionally sourced from allies such as Venezuela and Russia at lower costs. Amidst this, Cuba’s pursuit of alternative energy solutions is apparent, with projects underway to establish solar energy centers expected to be operational next year.
The power problems exacerbate Cuba’s mounting economic challenges, including inflation, food and fuel shortages, and a declining purchasing power. These hardships have driven many to leave the island, seeking better prospects in countries like the U.S. and Spain.
Cuba’s struggle with energy continues to reflect broader socioeconomic issues and the pressing need for infrastructure updates and alternative energy solutions. As the nation navigates these challenges, the hope for a more stable energy future remains palpable.
Source: Apnews
