Cuba's Power Struggles: Nationwide Blackout Strikes Again

Cuba's electrical grid collapsed for the second time early Saturday morning, causing a nationwide blackout. The grid first failed midday Friday due to a key power plant's malfunction, affecting over 10 million people. Contributing factors include deteriorating infrastructure, limited fuel supplies compounded by Hurricane Milton, and reduced fuel imports from traditional allies.

Cuba experienced a second nationwide blackout early Saturday after the electrical grid collapsed again, as reported by state-run media.

The failure occurred at 6:15 AM, resulting in a total disconnection of the national electro-energetic system.

The initial blackout happened midday Friday when one of Cuba's largest power plants failed, cutting off electricity to over 10 million people.

Prior to these events, the government had already implemented measures to conserve energy due to electricity shortfalls and fueled power generation, leading to school closures and non-essential workers being sent home.

Scattered areas saw power restored Friday evening, but the next morning brought renewed disruption.

The government cites deteriorating infrastructure, fuel shortages, and increased demand as primary causes.

Hurricane Milton's strong winds and reduced fuel deliveries from allies like Venezuela, Russia, and Mexico have exacerbated the situation.

The U.S. sanctions and Trump-era policies are also blamed for challenges in acquiring necessary resources, though the U.S. denies involvement in the grid's failure.