Isla de la Juventud was plunged into near-total darkness starting at 6:00 a.m. this Tuesday, as a result of a fuel shortage affecting power generation and a delayed ship arrival. Only the hospital and water pumping system have maintained electricity.
On Monday, Isla Visión broadcasted a statement from the local Electric Company, indicating that the power outage affects the entire special municipality. The company attributed the blackout to the fuel scarcity and the delayed arrival of the vessel.
The company clarified that the photovoltaic circuits A230 and A030 would be supplied with power between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Under this schedule, one generator unit will operate at 75% capacity.
While residents are left in the dark, the company has appealed for "understanding, support, and discipline" in navigating a "complex situation" created by the fuel shortage and the ship's delay.
This development marks a further deterioration in the ongoing energy crisis, which already led to extended four-hour blackouts in February due to fuel shortages for power generation.
The situation worsened over the following months, and by late May, Rubén Campos Olmo, the general director of the Electric Union, admitted that Isla de la Juventud was receiving around six hours of electricity per day, despite its reputation as one of the country's most energy-stable areas.
By July, residents reported receiving electricity for as little as two hours, with some accounts detailing outages lasting up to 22 hours daily.
This shortage is part of a broader fuel crisis impacting the entire nation.
In April, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, acknowledged that Cuba required eight fuel ships monthly to sustain its economy and power generation. However, from December 8, 2025, to the end of April 2026, only one ship had arrived, reflecting the nation's collapse and ongoing crisis.
Understanding the Power Shortage in Isla de la Juventud
What caused the power outage in Isla de la Juventud?
The power outage was primarily caused by a shortage of fuel necessary for power generation and a delay in the arrival of a fuel supply ship.
How is the electric company managing the power distribution?
The electric company is managing power distribution by energizing photovoltaic circuits A230 and A030 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., with one generator running at 75% capacity.
What are the broader implications of the fuel crisis in Cuba?
The fuel crisis has led to widespread power outages across Cuba, affecting daily life and economic activities. It highlights the country's dependency on consistent fuel imports to maintain its energy infrastructure.