Overview
- The state power operator reported a total disconnection of the national generation system that caused an island-wide blackout affecting about 9.6–10 million people.
- Authorities opened an investigation into the cause and activated emergency protocols, and utility crews brought localized 'microsystems' online to supply hospitals, water pumps and other vital services.
- Limited reconnections were reported in central provinces and parts of Havana after at least one generating unit restarted, but millions remain without reliable electricity and no timeline for full restoration has been given.
- The outage has disrupted public transport, forced cancellation or postponement of medical procedures, interrupted water and telecom services, and increased food spoilage and daily hardship for residents.
- Longstanding factors include worn Soviet-era thermoelectric plants and years of deferred maintenance, and officials say U.S. restrictions on fuel shipments since January have worsened the island's ability to run backup generators and keep the grid stable.