The recovery process has already begun with gas plants and diesel generators.
On Sunday, Cuba suffered the sixth nationwide blackout of the year at 10:43 p.m. local time, according to the state-owned Electric Union (UNE).
RELATED:
Massive Blackout Affects Western Cuba
The recovery process for the National Electric System (SEN) has already begun with gas plants and diesel generators, although fuel oil generation, which accounted for 40% of the energy mix, is almost completely paralyzed due to the U.S. oil blockade.
The UNE reported that more than 100 energy “islands” have been created to serve critical areas, to interconnect them, increase production, and synchronize large thermoelectric plants with the SEN.
Following the complete shutdown, 18 substations and 66 distribution circuits have been restored, benefiting 199,092 customers with 147.56 MW, representing 23.1% of the electricity service in the city of Havana.
Additionally, 26 hospitals and two water supply systems have been guaranteed as vital services in a gradual recovery process contingent upon the stability of the SEN.
Since January, the U.S. oil blockade has intensified Cuba’s crisis. With fuel imports restricted, gas stations sit empty as lines of cars stretch for hours. Taxi drivers, already hurt by failing tourism, are left without gas and a way to earn a living. pic.twitter.com/TGHqoRs1rd
— Belly of the Beast (@bellybeastcuba) July 28, 2026
The nationwide blackout occurred just 24 hours after another one that affected the western half of the country, caused by a simultaneous tripping of 220 kV lines between Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Santa Clara.
Thermoelectric power generation, dependent on domestic crude oil, is compromised by breakdowns and maintenance after years of underfunding. More than half of the units are typically out of service daily.
The remaining energy mix comes from gas and renewables, mainly solar with Chinese support. Experts estimate that restoring the SEN would require between US$8 billion and US$10 billion, figures unattainable for Cuba.
The energy crisis began in 2024 and worsened with the oil blockade imposed by the United States in January 2026, which paralyzed much of the distributed generation using diesel and fuel oil.
#Cuba | The National Electric System collapsed for the second consecutive day on Sunday night, triggering another nationwide blackout as authorities worked to restore power and safeguard critical services.
The Electric Union (UNE) said the National Electric System experienced a… pic.twitter.com/EFdI8qanyk
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) August 3, 2026
teleSUR: JP
Source: EFE
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.