The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) announced on Saturday that Unit 4 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Plant in Cienfuegos has been synchronized with the National Electric System (SEN). Meanwhile, Unit 3 is in the start-up phase, marking a step in the slow recovery process following the year’s eighth total blackout on Friday.
In another Facebook post, the state entity reported that the SEN had expanded its reach to the province of Holguín, signifying progress in the gradual reconnection of the grid from the west to the east of the island.
The complete shutdown occurred around 1 PM on Friday, when the successive tripping of two 220 kV transmission lines—Matanzas-Cienfuegos and Matanzas-Santa Clara—caused a nationwide power outage. According to Reuters, approximately 9 million people across the island were left without electricity.
The restoration process has been uneven and partial. By Saturday morning, Havana showed just 44.2% recovery, with 126 of 286 distribution circuits active.
Unexpected Challenges and Delays
Adding to the complications, the Antonio Guiteras plant suffered a boiler malfunction following the disconnection, with "punctures in several points of the steam generator." Repair work could not begin immediately as the equipment required nearly 72 hours to cool down. The Matanzas plant, Cuba’s largest thermoelectric facility, has experienced at least 17 unscheduled outages so far in 2026.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) claimed the SEN was connected "from Pinar del Río to Nuevitas," but skepticism persisted as many Cubans remained without electricity, despite official statements of a recovery process.
Propaganda Amidst Crisis
Instead of acknowledging the regime's role in the deterioration of the electrical infrastructure, the UNE used its updates to disseminate propaganda. The state body portrayed its workers' efforts as conducted "amid a genocidal blockade preventing the arrival of spare parts, technology, and fuel," describing each blackout as "a battle against forced obsolescence and externally imposed scarcity."
This regime narrative starkly contrasts with the reality faced by Cubans: September 2026 has seen power generation deficits exceeding 2,000 MW on multiple days, and the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes plant experienced breakdowns in its units for at least six days in the first half of the month.
Analysts and citizens argue that the energy crisis primarily results from decades of mismanagement and neglect of infrastructure by the regime, rather than the U.S. embargo, which Havana routinely cites to evade accountability.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What caused the nationwide blackout in Cuba?
The blackout was caused by the successive tripping of two 220 kV transmission lines—Matanzas-Cienfuegos and Matanzas-Santa Clara—resulting in a total grid collapse.
Why is the UNE blaming the U.S. embargo for the power outages?
The UNE claims that the U.S. embargo prevents the arrival of necessary spare parts, technology, and fuel, which they argue contributes to the power outages.
What are the main criticisms of the Cuban regime's handling of the energy sector?
Critics argue that the energy crisis is mainly due to decades of poor management and neglect of infrastructure by the regime, rather than external factors like the U.S. embargo.