Real Cuba’s power generation system has been faltering since late last year. This conflict came to a head with a widespread blackout across the country on September 10. The collapse of the power grid at 9:14 am local time left approximately 9.7 million residents without electricity. Allegations surrounding this incident underscore the persistent fragility of Cuba’s energy infrastructure. At the same time, the energy-rich country is facing acute energy issues and attempting to rebound from an ongoing economic collapse.
The recent blackout was different from that as it’s not a one-time occurrence. It’s the fourth instance of such a thing in less than a year, creating even more difficult conditions for Cubans. Even before this latest disaster, residents were suffering through daily, 16-plus hour power outages. Cuba’s National Electric Union have been quick to rise to the emergency. As we speak, they’re on the ground fighting to restore power.
Ongoing Challenges in Power Generation
Cuba’s electricity generation infrastructure has long been propped up by old oil-fired power plants that have had a difficult time producing reliable power. The country is in the middle of a catastrophic energy crisis. This was compounded by a dramatic decrease in oil imports from our three largest suppliers – Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico. These cuts have taken a dramatic toll on Cuba’s capacity to produce enough electricity for its nearly 11 million residents.
Though investigations into the causes of the most recent grid failure continue, experts suggest that the combination of aging infrastructure and reduced fuel supplies has placed an unsustainable burden on the nation’s energy system. All the while, the Cuban government is trying to figure out what to do in this danger avoidant environment. They’re facing food/resource shortages and other larger economic challenges.
The Impact of Blackouts on Daily Life
The impacts of these not so novel blackouts go well beyond annoyance. With so many Cubans dependent on electricity for basic services, the blackouts have struck harsh blows during the deepest stretch of the pandemic. Hospitals, businesses, and households alike stand to suffer greatly under the weight of sustained upheaval. As such, residents often find themselves angry, overwhelmed, and at their wit’s end.
The economic ramifications of this self-inflicted energy crisis are staggering. Cuba is experiencing its worst economic crisis in 30 years. The ongoing battle to keep the lights on is further deepening a historic crisis for the country. These extensive interruptions in service deepen the isolation of already marginalized communities, weaken key development initiatives, and trap communities in serviced poverty, anger, and despair.
Restoration Efforts and Future Outlook
With the recent blackout in San Francisco now fading from memory, restoration efforts are again underway. In Cuba, White explained, it typically takes two to three days for power to be completely restored after such an event. Cuba’s National Electric Union is pulling out all the stops to address urgent priorities swiftly. Alongside those efforts, they’re making plans to take a fresh, long-term approach to the state’s power generation landscape.
Spain and Portugal have faced real blackouts in recent months. The challenge is even tougher for Cuba, where the system is supported by old technology and a lack of resources. While investigations continue, restoration efforts are well under way. It remains unclear how soon Cuba will be able to stabilize its power grid and restore a consistent, dependable electricity service for its people.
