Main power plant failure in Cuba causes nationwide blackout

Cuba is experiencing nationwide blackouts after a serious power plant failed, officers mentioned.

The Power Division mentioned its energy grid collapsed round 11:00 (15:00 GMT) Write on X.

Grid officers mentioned they did not understand how lengthy it could take to revive energy.

The island has skilled months of extended energy outages, prompting the Prime Minister to declare an “power emergency” on Thursday.

Friday’s island-wide blackout adopted a blackout on the Antonio Guitras energy plant, Matanzas’ largest energy plant.

President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez mentioned resolving the scenario was his “absolute precedence”.

‘We won’t relaxation till energy is restored’ He writes on X.

Earlier on Friday, officers introduced that each one colleges and non-essential actions, together with nightclubs, could be closed till Monday.

Non-essential staff have been urged to remain residence to guard energy provides, and non-essential authorities companies have been suspended.

Cubans are additionally being urged to show off energy-intensive home equipment comparable to fridges and ovens throughout peak hours, in accordance with native media stories.

Prime Minister Manuel Marrero addressed the general public in a televised deal with on Thursday, blaming the blackouts on deteriorating infrastructure, gasoline shortages and rising demand.

“Gasoline scarcity is the most important issue,” he mentioned.

Alfredo López Valdes, president of the Nationwide Electrical energy Union (UNE), additionally admitted that the island has been dealing with a difficult power scenario, primarily because of shortages.

Extended energy outages — particularly one so widespread — are at all times aggravating occasions in Cuba.

A part of the reason being that, for the Cuban authorities, the flexibility to maintain the lights on represents a possible public order downside.

In July 2021, days-long energy outages throughout a lot of the nation prompted hundreds of protesters to take to the streets for demonstrations.

Valuable meals is wasted in heat fridges and freezers, whereas residents’ despair is heightened by days with out air con or ceiling followers within the island’s sweltering warmth.

In lots of buildings, electrical pumps ship water to faucets, so no energy means no water.

Moreover, an absence of gasoline at gasoline stations means individuals are unable to work or use their vehicles to resolve primary issues or meet emergency wants.

The Cuban authorities is more and more conscious that many individuals on the island have misplaced a stage of concern when speaking in regards to the many day-to-day issues they face on the island.

If situations allow, some individuals are even able to take to the streets and shout anti-government slogans.

In March, lots of of individuals in Santiago, Cuba’s second largest metropolis Rare public protests held over prolonged power outages and food shortages.