Cuba in Darkness: Nationwide Blackout Strikes Again! Is This the Last Straw?

In a shocking turn of events, Cuba's national electrical grid has collapsed, plunging millions into darkness. The country's Energy and Mines Ministry confirmed that the failure of a substation triggered the fourth nationwide blackout in just five months.

On Friday evening, the blackout spread rapidly across a vast region of western Cuba, including the bustling capital, Havana. Reports emerged of complete darkness enveloping the waterfront skyline, leaving only a handful of tourist hotels operating on emergency fuel generators.

According to Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, efforts are already underway to restore power. He took to social media, emphasizing that the government is “working tirelessly” to address the situation following an unexpected disconnection of the National Electric System. As citizens took to social media to share their experiences, human rights activist Elsa Morejon posted haunting images from her balcony, capturing the sprawling darkness of Havana.

With reports emerging from both eastern and western provinces, it appears that much of the nation, home to approximately 10 million people, is affected. Just a day earlier, Cuba experienced significant electricity interruptions attributed to plant failures and fuel shortages, as noted by the Cuba Electricity Union.

Cuba's electrical infrastructure, aging and poorly maintained, has been on the brink of collapse for years. The island's energy production relies heavily on oil-fired power plants constructed several decades ago, which are now in dire need of overhaul. Alarmingly, it is reported that 80% of the country's electricity comes from crude oil, predominantly imported from Venezuela. However, recent cuts in Venezuelan oil shipments, alongside dwindling support from other allies like Russia and Mexico, have left Cuba scrambling, forcing the nation to purchase costly crude on the spot market.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Cuba remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with a mere 4% of its energy portfolio stemming from renewable sources. As the energy crisis worsens, analysts warn that the nation must rethink its energy strategy urgently to avoid further breakdowns.

The question remains: will Cuba be able to find a solution to this spiraling energy disaster, or are we witnessing symptoms of a larger, more systemic issue? As the government races against the clock to restore power, citizens are left to cope with the uncertainty of when the lights will return. Stay tuned for updates on this developing crisis.