Cuba is once again grappling with widespread power outages, with several provinces experiencing significant disruptions as of September 18. The ongoing blackouts are exacerbating the country’s already fragile energy situation. According to the state-run Unión Eléctrica (UNE), power shortages exceeding 1,000 MW are expected nationwide, further straining daily life and sparking discontent among the population, who are enduring prolonged service interruptions.
Provinces Struggle Under Blackouts
Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Pinar del Río are among the hardest-hit provinces, where frequent blackouts have severely disrupted daily routines. These outages come at a time when Cubans are already struggling with shortages of essential goods. The energy crisis has ignited protests on social media, with many citizens expressing frustration over the government’s inability to provide lasting solutions to the country’s power woes.
In response to the crisis, Cuba has received a donation of 10 electric generators from China, which are expected to help alleviate some of the power shortages. The generators will be distributed across the country’s major power plants, providing temporary relief. However, experts caution that while these units may offer short-term assistance, they will not address the deeper, structural problems plaguing Cuba’s energy sector, meaning that power outages will likely persist.