Western Cuba experiences power outage as government works to modernize energy infrastructure

Residents in western Cuba, including the capital Havana, experienced a temporary blackout as the government undertakes upgrades to the nations aging electricity network. The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported that the outage began at approximately 5:00 a.m. local time (10:00 GMT) and power was fully restored by 1:26 p.m. (18:26 GMT).

The blackout affected millions across provinces from Pinar del Rio in the west to Mayabeque, just east of Havana. Authorities worked throughout the morning to reassure the public and restore electricity. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz highlighted the efforts of energy workers on social media, emphasizing their dedication to quickly resolving the situation.

Frequent power failures have long troubled Cuba, reflecting weaknesses in its electrical infrastructure. In 2024, multiple major outages led to rare public demonstrations in cities such as Santiago de Cuba. This trend has continued into 2025, with September seeing a widespread blackout caused by a malfunction at a thermoelectric plant.

Cubas National Electric System (SEN) relies heavily on fossil fuels and includes outdated equipment, much of it dating back to Cold War-era construction, expanded significantly during the 1980s. In recent years, the country has invested in renewable energy, including a 2024 agreement with China to build 92 solar farms by 2028, with the first operational facility opening in February 2025.

Natural disasters have further strained the power system. Hurricanes Imelda and Melissa, in late 2024 and October 2025 respectively, caused floods, landslides, and widespread property damage, disrupting electricity delivery across the island.

Officials have also pointed to the longstanding U.S. embargo as a factor limiting Cubas ability to maintain and modernize its energy network. President Miguel Diaz-Canel cited both the effects of recent storms and economic restrictions as challenges for the electrical grid, praising the continued efforts of Ministry of Energy and Mines staff.

Population decline has accompanied these crises. From 2021 to 2024, Cubas population dropped by more than 12 percent, largely due to migration, while U.S. authorities documented a growing number of Cubans arriving each year. These challenges coincide with the governments ongoing struggle to provide stable electricity and maintain public confidence.

Author: Lucas Grant