Cuba Faces Island-Wide Power Outage

Power Crisis Hits Cuba

Cuba faced a nationwide power outage on Friday following a major failure at a key power plant, as reported by the country’s energy ministry. Persistent blackouts have plagued Cuba due to its aging power grid and fuel shortages in recent weeks.

The national electricity system was shut down at 11:00AM local time, according to the energy ministry’s announcement. By 4:00PM, some areas were able to restore power using microgrid systems.

In anticipation of the crisis, officials had urged residents to conserve electricity and announced closures of schools and nonessential businesses. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero acknowledged the need to halt economic activities amidst the energy emergency.

Efforts are underway to restore operations at the Antonio Guiteras power plant, Cuba’s largest facility, after it suffered the outage. The country’s reliance on fuel imports, impacted by US sanctions, has exacerbated the energy crisis, explained President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

Both Cuba and Venezuela, traditional fuel partners, grapple with reduced supplies and economic challenges amidst the ongoing sanctions. The situation highlights the vulnerability of countries dependent on foreign energy sources.

FAQs

Q: What caused the power outage in Cuba?

A: The power outage in Cuba was triggered by a major failure at the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the nation’s largest facility.

Q: How did the Cuban government respond to the crisis?

A: Cuban officials took measures such as urging electricity conservation, closing nonessential businesses, and attempting to restart the power plant to address the emergency.

Q: What role did US sanctions play in exacerbating Cuba’s energy crisis?

A: US sanctions have hampered Cuba’s ability to import fuel, leading to fuel shortages and contributing to the ongoing power struggles in the country.

Q: What challenges do Cuba and Venezuela face in securing fuel supplies?

A: Both countries confront difficulties in acquiring fuel due to sanctions, dwindling resources, and economic turmoil, underscoring the fragility of their energy infrastructure.

Credit: www.theverge.com