HAVANA, Cuba – Cuba experienced another nationwide power outage on Monday, marking the third such blackout this year and highlighting the continuing challenges facing the island’s electricity sector.
The state-owned power utility, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), said there had been a complete disconnection of the national electricity generation system and technicians were investigating the cause of the outage.
“There has been a total disconnection from the national electricity generation system,” UNE said in a statement posted on social media.
The latest blackout is the eighth major nationwide outage reported since late 2024 and comes as authorities continue to grapple with chronic fuel shortages and an ageing power generation network.
In recent months, residents across Cuba have endured prolonged electricity cuts, with some communities experiencing outages lasting more than 24 hours, while rural areas have faced interruptions extending for several days.
Cuba’s electricity system relies heavily on ageing thermoelectric plants, many of which have suffered recurring breakdowns and maintenance challenges. Officials have also cited fuel shortages as a major factor affecting power generation capacity.
The government has been seeking to diversify the country’s energy supply through increased investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power. However, while solar generation has expanded, it still accounts for a relatively small share of the country’s overall electricity production.
The ongoing energy crisis has added to broader economic difficulties facing the Caribbean nation, where shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies have become increasingly common in recent years.
Authorities have not yet indicated when full electricity service will be restored across the island.
