Sat Mar 15 05:13:18 UTC 2025: ## Cuba Plunged into Darkness by Massive Power Outage
**Havana, Cuba –** A major power outage plunged Cuba into darkness on Friday night, affecting millions across the island nation, from Havana to its easternmost provinces. The outage, which began around 8:15 pm local time, was attributed to a failure at the Diezmero substation near Havana, causing a significant loss of generation in western Cuba and a subsequent collapse of the national electric system.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced that they are working to restore power. Reports from across the island, including Guantanamo, Artemisa, Santiago de Cuba, and Santa Clara, confirmed widespread blackouts. Even in Havana, only hotels with backup generators offered illumination. Internet service was also disrupted.
The Electric Union had earlier predicted a significant energy deficit of approximately 1,380 megawatts during peak hours, representing a 42% shortfall in the national energy system. While not the largest outage in recent memory – Cuba experienced three widespread blackouts late last year – the incident highlights the persistent fragility of the island’s power grid.
Chronic fuel shortages and aging infrastructure are cited as the primary causes of the frequent power cuts, which affect over half the country during peak hours. Electricity is critical for basic necessities, including cooking and water pumping, making the outages particularly impactful for the Cuban population.
The government has initiated a plan to install numerous photovoltaic parks this year to improve the energy situation. Past widespread blackouts have triggered anti-government protests in 2021, 2022, and 2024, underscoring the socio-political ramifications of the ongoing energy crisis.
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