Nationwide Blackout Strikes Cuba, Leaving 10 Million in Darkness

Cuba, October 19, 2024 — A massive power outage on Friday plunged Cuba into darkness, affecting approximately 10 million residents. The blackout, triggered by a failure at the Antonio Guiteras Power Plant, marks a significant escalation in the country’s ongoing energy crisis.

The Energy Ministry reported that the power grid collapsed at 11 a.m. ET, leading to a nationwide blackout. While select areas of Havana have regained power, millions remain without electricity, causing traffic disruptions in the capital.

The Cuban government, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, blames the crisis on reduced oil shipments from Venezuela and U.S. sanctions impacting fuel imports. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has called for energy-saving measures, closing schools and limiting work to essential services.

Public frustration is mounting as outages last up to 20 hours in some provinces, severely disrupting daily life. Experts warn that Cuba’s aging energy infrastructure remains vulnerable, with long-term solutions expected to take years.