Restoration of Cuba's National Electric System Announced After Third Major Blackout

In the early hours of Thursday, Cuba's Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) announced the restoration of the National Electric System (SEN), which had collapsed shortly after 2 a.m. on Wednesday. "The SEN is restored. All units in the start-up process are now synchronized, including Unit 1 of Felton," announced MINEM on the platform X.

Earlier, the head of MINEM, Vicente de la O Levy, had shared a similar update, indicating that all units in the start-up phase had been integrated into the system, except for Felton's Unit 1. He stated that its boiler was already fired up and would be synchronized in the coming hours.

The Havana Electric Company confirmed that power had been restored to all of its 860,808 customers across 337 circuits, as well as "the 43 hospitals and the principal water supply sources." The state company praised the dedication of its workers, stating, "Once again, we acknowledge the efforts of our workers who do not rest until every home in Havana has electricity."

In the comments section of the announcement, an internet user sarcastically remarked, "Well, this time it took less time, we're making progress..."

Third Major Blackout in Less Than Two Months

The unexpected disconnection of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant caused the third collapse of Cuba's National Electric System in less than two months, occurring shortly after 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

The Telecommunications Company of Cuba S.A. (ETECSA) reported significant disruptions to the country's mobile phone services due to the SEN's collapse. On the morning of December 4, the Ministry of Energy and Mines communicated through social media that the gradual restoration of the SEN had commenced using the "creation of islands," a method previously employed during the two prior collapses.

The breakdown of the SEN triggered a chain reaction that severely affected other essential basic services for the population. The power outage directly impacted the pumping and distribution of potable water, leaving thousands of households without access to this vital resource, which has been worsening in recent months.

Additionally, the distribution of gas, necessary for cooking, was hindered due to the lack of electricity in processing and distribution facilities. Furthermore, internet connectivity and mobile phone services experienced interruptions, complicating communications and access to information.