Cuba faced a nationwide blackout after its biggest power plant collapsed near Havana on Friday. The power failure caused weeks of extended outrage among people across the island.
Cuba’s capital city, Havana experienced a complete blackout, the schools were closed, public transportation sources were halted and traffic lights stopped functioning.
Lazara Guerra, Head of electricity supply at the energy ministry, stated “Power restoration for Cuba’s 11 million people had just begun”. He added, “We still have few resources of electricity generation that would be used to start operation in power plants in several regions of the country”.
While addressing to media, Guerra explained that the power plant collapsed due to the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras power plant.
Antonio Guiteras is the largest and Cuba‘s eight decrepit coal-fired power plants.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero declared an “energy emergency on Thursday, following the complete blackout that came after weeks of power cuts and lasted up to 20 hours.
The government planned to deliver electricity supply to homes and suspended all non-essential public services. Following this decision the schools and educational institutions till Monday.
Meanwhile, hospitals and natural emergency facilities will operate on generators.
Public outrage and statements:
An Eloy Fon, 80-year-old exclaimed, “This is extremely bad! Blackout shows how weak our power system is. We have electricity resources!”
Barbara Lopez, a 47-year-old digital content creator frustrated “I can’t work due to blackouts. What I am supposed to do now? This blackout is the worst one I’ve seen in 47 years.”
Cuban residents have been dealing with complete blackouts for the past three months. The national energy shortfall grew from 30 percent to nearly 50 percent, causing widespread frustration among citizens on Thursday.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel vowed on social media that the government would work tirelessly to restore power.
He blamed the issue on Cuba’s fuel shortages, which he attributed to the stricter US trade embargo under former President Trump.
Back in July 2021, blackouts sparked widespread protests. In 2022, the island also faced months of long daily power outages, culminating in a nationwide blackout after Hurricane Ian on September 27.
