Cuba Hit By Mass Blackout After Country’s National Electricity Grid Is ‘Completely Disconnected’

Topline

A country-wide power outage in Cuba left millions without electricity after one of the island nation’s key power plants failed Friday morning, as authorities have yet to give an estimation on when the blackout will be resolved.

Key Facts

The failure of Cuba’s CTE Antonio Guiteras plant occurred at 11 a.m. EDT, causing the country’s National Electricity System to be “completely disconnected,” the Ministry of Energy and Mines said in a tweet.

The ministry said in an afternoon update it is in the process of restoring power and reviewing the availability of fuel but did not provide an estimation on when the outage would be resolved.

Cuba attempted to curb energy prior to the blackout, shutting down schools, government buildings and nonessential businesses, according to multiple outlets.

In a national energy crisis address given Thursday, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero chalked up Cuba’s common blackouts to rising electricity demand, declining infrastructure and a lack of fuel, which is primarily due to a significant reduction in fuel imports throughout the last few years.

Marrero said in a tweet Friday the government “will not rest” until the power outage is resolved.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.