Once Again, the Entire Island of Cuba Falls Into Darkness as Power Grid Collapses

Cuba Falls Into Darkness, Again

What’s Happening?

HAVANA, December 4 – Cuba announced the initiation of power restoration following the collapse of the island’s electrical grid, marking the latest incident in a series of statewide blackouts that highlight the deteriorating condition of the country’s power generating infrastructure.

Vicente de la O’Levy, Cuba’s energy minister, stated that the government prioritized hospitals and water pumping facilities while initiating the restoration of electricity to dispersed circuits nationwide.

However, by midmorning, millions of Cubans throughout the island were still without power, as per official sources, prompting the communist government to suspend school operations and instruct non-essential personnel to remain at home until electricity is reinstated.

The energy minister indicated that he anticipated the system will be operational again by Thursday, but emphasized that he would not expedite the process.
We possess very competent specialists who are all engaged. “We are proceeding incrementally,” de la O’Levy stated.

Deficiencies in food, medication, water, and electricity have rendered life more intolerable for some Cubans, prompting them to abandon the island in unprecedented numbers during the past three years.

Cuba attributes the situation to U.S. sanctions that hinder banking transactions and fuel procurement.

Figure 1 – Power grid of Cuba: Power plant map

Power Plant Failure

The Wednesday morning blackout was caused by a malfunction at the Antonio Guiteras power plant in Matanzas, the island’s primary electrical generator, which ceased operations at approximately 2 a.m. local time.

The energy minister stated that other significant power facilities were undergoing maintenance and offline during the failure of the Matanzas plant, depriving the grid of electricity and resulting in a statewide collapse.

Prior to Wednesday’s collapse, millions of individuals throughout Cuba were experiencing daily rolling blackouts lasting several hours.
Danielis Mora, a hotel employee in Havana, awoke on Wednesday feeling frustrated and bewildered, akin to several residents of Havana who now endure frequent blackouts during the week.

Mora stated, “I was unaware that there was another complete blackout.” “In my current residence, there is no gas available; without electricity, food preparation is only possible using firewood or charcoal.”

Cuba’s antiquated grid failed many times in October due to depleting fuel supplies and the impact of Hurricane Oscar on the island’s far eastern region, followed by further failures in November with the arrival of Hurricane Rafael.

Last Monday, the Cuban government promulgated a regulation mandating state and private enterprises to increase their electricity generation from renewable resources. The restrictions mandate that businesses restrict their air conditioning usage, among other steps, as the nation contends with a worsening energy crisis.

What Happened in October?

(With inputs from Reuters)