Cuba is experiencing widespread power outages for the second time in less than two weeks, officials announced Saturday. The nationwide blackout underscores the ongoing energy challenges facing the island nation.
“A total disconnection of the National Electric System has occurred,” the Ministry of Energy and Mines said in a post on X. “Protocols for restoration are already being implemented.”
The disruption comes just days after Cuba experienced its first nationwide grid collapse on March 16, following the start of reduced oil shipments from Venezuela earlier this year.
Cuba’s power company, Unión Eléctrica de Cuba, which operates under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, had forecast a power deficit of 1.740 megawatts for peak demand Saturday evening, according to a report posted on X earlier in the day.
Later Saturday, Unión Eléctrica explained on X that the outage was triggered by an issue with Unit 6 at the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant, causing a “cascade effect” on other operating machines.
The company stated that protocols are being activated to gradually restore the National Electric System, prioritizing critical infrastructure such as “vital centers,” hospitals, and water supply systems, according to a post on X.
The Cuban government has attributed the increasing frequency of power outages in recent years to fuel shortages impacting the ability of power plants to operate. The situation has worsened in the first months of 2026.
The lack of petroleum has also affected public services and food transportation, leading to some protests in Havana and other cities.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently acknowledged public frustration with the ongoing issues, stating that authorities are working to find solutions.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated Saturday that the country remains open to a serious and respectful dialogue with the United States, which has maintained an economic embargo against the island since the 1960s.
