Cuba Faces 'Energy Emergency' as Officials Struggle to Restore Power to 10M Citizens After Grid Collapse

Cubans are concerned about food spoilage and water access due to the blackout.

By Thea Felicity

Oct 19 2024, 01:52 AM EDT

TOPSHOT-CUBA-ENERGY-ECONOMY-BLACKOUT-DAILY LIFE — TOPSHOT - A few buildings in the city with electricity are seen during a nationwide blackout caused by a grid failure in Havana on October 18, 2024. Technical breakdowns, fuel shortages and high demand have caused the country's thermoelectric power plants to constantly fail, forcing the government to declare an energy emergency and take measures such as closing schools and factories. ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP via Getty Images

Over 10 million Cubans are left without power as the country's main energy plant failed recently.

Reports stated that the power grid collapsed around 11:00 AM local time on Friday. Officials are currently working on the situation but are still struggling to restore power right away.

According to BBC, the country is not new to power outages as it also experienced months of short blackouts in certain areas. This led to a declaration of energy emergency, which was only a day before power ran out nationally.

Cuban President, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, stated that the main priority at the moment is to restore power and that officials will not be resting until all is well. Energy ministry head, Lazara Guera, mentioned that restoration is still in the early stages but some electric generators are being used to help start up power plants in important regions.

As a precaution, officials announced that schools, nightclubs, and non-essential activities will be closed until Monday.

Cubans React to National Blackout

In the same report, Cubans are already feeling the impact of the blackout and expressed concern about the country's fragile electricity system, saying that there are no reserves to support it. This is also affecting digital workers or Cuban employees relying on the internet and electricity to sustain their needs.

CNN reported that Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero, pointed to fuel shortages, increasing electricity demand, and weak power infrastructure as key factors behind power grid failures. However, it's not just electricity that is affected, as the current blackout is also spoiling food in warm fridges and heating up citizens without air conditioning.

Some buildings, at the same time, rely on electric pumps to bring water to the taps. With no power restoration soon, people will struggle to access water. Cuba is also experiencing a lack of petrol at gas stations, therefore, making it challenging for individuals to travel to address urgent needs.

Citizens are willing to protest if conditions on power blackouts and fuel shortages persist.