Total blackout in Cuba; U.S. warns of communication cuts, lack of official info

The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning following a nationwide power outage in Cuba, which has crippled the island's electrical grid and disrupted essential communication services. The collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) has left the entire country without power, exacerbating existing challenges.

According to the U.S. authorities, Cuban state media has not yet provided a reason for the system's failure or an estimated timeline for restoring electricity. This lack of official information prompted Washington to advise U.S. citizens on the island, or those planning to travel, to stay informed and adjust their plans accordingly. Reports indicate significant interruptions to cellular and internet services.

This latest blackout marks the seventh total disconnection of the SEN within the past 18 months, highlighting the ongoing instability of Cuba's power infrastructure. The Unión Eléctrica (UNE), Cuba's state power company, confirmed the national blackout and stated that an investigation into the causes is underway.

Prior to the collapse, Cuban authorities had anticipated a significant energy deficit due to issues with thermoelectric plants, including breakdowns and maintenance, as well as a shortage of fuel for distributed generation. Official data revealed that 106 distributed generation plants were offline due to fuel scarcity, adding to the problems caused by several other plants undergoing scheduled maintenance. This situation led to an estimated power availability of only 935 megawatts against a demand of 3100 megawatts, creating a deficit that could affect up to 71% of the country.