Cuba Faces Sixth Power Grid Collapse Amid U.S. Fuel Blockade

The power grid in Cuba experienced another collapse on Friday, leaving millions without electricity. This marks at least the sixth outage since January, following President Trump’s decision to halt fuel supplies to the island.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines announced the outage via its official X account. It reported that steps to restore service were underway.

Mercedes Rodriguez, a 60-year-old resident of Havana, expressed frustration over the situation. “No one can stand these constant blackouts. There isn’t enough food, water, or electricity — you have no idea,” she said.

Cuban authorities identified a transmission line failure in the western region, extending as far as Matanzas province, which caused the collapse. This disruption subsequently disconnected the eastern part of the country. Further complications arose due to “unstable” weather conditions, as reported by the official newspaper Granma.

Power restoration efforts were noticeable by nightfall, with 5% of Havana’s 862,000 customers regaining electricity. Measures included establishing small power-distribution “micro-islands” in Camagüey, Pinar del Río, and Granma provinces, alongside reactivating services for hospitals and emergency facilities.

Abilén Marrero, a homemaker in central Havana, remained hopeful but uncertain. “Maybe it’ll come back this afternoon or tomorrow — there’s no way to know. We just have to wait,” she shared.

The outages, intensified by the economic crisis over the past two years, became more frequent after the U.S. implemented an energy blockade aimed at encouraging political change in Cuba. An executive order from President Trump mandates tariffs on nations providing oil to the island. This restriction impedes Cuba’s ability to import fuel vital for its thermoelectric power plants and acquire parts to maintain its outdated infrastructure. Russia’s delivery in March was the only fuel received since.

Recent nationwide outages occurred in early August, following others in July and March and several regional incidents. Despite a functioning national grid, Cubans face frequent blackouts lasting over 30 hours.

Cuban ambassador to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzman, described the outages as a “collective punishment,” during a CBS News interview.

The energy embargo compounds the power issues, disrupting transportation, work hours, and flights, with notable public health repercussions. Essential functions, such as cooking, water supply, internet, and telephone services, are severely impacted.

The Trump administration is reportedly scrutinizing military options for Cuba. Though briefings included strategies such as an Army-led air assault, officials emphasize no military action is decided.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio advocates for a diplomatic solution, aiming for a government shift to technocrats open to economic reform. However, progress remains stagnated despite U.S. pressure.

President Trump draws parallels with the U.S. involvement in Venezuela, highlighting the ousting of former President Nicolas Maduro and subsequent installment of a favorable successor, as a model for potential actions in Cuba.