The Cuban capital is still largely without power following a recent nationwide blackout that has plunged the entire island into darkness.
The collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) this past Saturday afternoon marks the second occurrence in just a few days, underscoring the deep-rooted crisis plaguing Cuba's electrical infrastructure.
The Havana Electric Company (EELH) reported that as of 6:00 a.m. today, power had been restored to seven substations and seven distribution circuits, benefiting 72,638 customers. This accounts for a mere 8.4% of the city, delivering 42.53 MW of power.
Essential hospital services remain operational in five healthcare facilities, yet water supplies have not been reestablished in any area.
The EELH cautioned that recovery will be gradual, "as conditions of the SEN allow," and urged residents to stay informed through official channels and the 18888 service line.
This recent collapse is part of an ongoing crisis within the SEN, characterized by aging thermoelectric plants, inadequate maintenance, frequent breakdowns, and shortages of critical fuels like diesel and fuel oil. These constraints mean that any isolated failure can result in a total blackout, as demonstrated by recent events.
Both users and experts agree that total collapses and daily blackouts have become a staple of daily life, disrupting basic services, hospitals, and the supply of water and food.
The situation has heightened social unrest, triggering protests in neighborhoods across Havana and other provinces, where citizens voice their frustration over prolonged outages and the lack of clear information regarding service recovery.
In Havana, over 90% of the population remains without electricity, while the rest experience only partial restoration, highlighting the system's fragility and the challenges of consistently normalizing service.
Understanding the Power Crisis in Havana
What caused the recent power outage in Havana?
The recent power outage in Havana was caused by a collapse of the National Electric System, which is suffering from structural issues such as aging infrastructure, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages.
How is the power restoration process being handled?
The power restoration process is being managed gradually, depending on the conditions of the National Electric System, with updates provided through official channels by the Havana Electric Company.
How are the power outages affecting daily life in Havana?
The power outages are severely affecting daily life in Havana by disrupting essential services, the functioning of hospitals, and the distribution of water and food, contributing to increased social unrest.