A major blackout affected several areas of the Cuban capital this Saturday, including Old Havana, Centro Habana, El Cerro, 10 de Octubre, and Plaza, due to a fire at the Tallapiedra electrical substation, located on Salud Street.
The fire, which occurred in an underground substation, caused a disruption in the power supply, leaving thousands of residents without electricity, authorities reported in a post on Telegram.
The Electric Company of Havana issued a brief statement informing affected consumers that the outage was caused by the fire and that they are working to restore service as soon as possible.
"Good afternoon, residents of Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Cerro, 10 de Octubre, and Plaza. You are affected by a fault in the Tallapiedra substation due to a fire. We will restore the service as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience caused," the notice states.
Several residents in Havana had reported that a large part of the city was without electricity; while others summarize the ongoing calamities on the island in a phrase that is becoming increasingly common: "It never stops raining!".
Cuba's National Electric System (SEN) is already facing a critical day this Saturday, with a maximum estimated impact of 1,560 MW during peak hours, according to the report issued this morning by the Electric Union (UNE).
Since 5:04 a.m. on Friday, interruptions in the electricity service began to be reported, which continued throughout the early hours of Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Outages in Havana and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What caused the recent blackout in Havana?
The recent blackout in Havana was caused by a fire at the Tallapiedra electrical substation, located on Salud Street. This fire disrupted the power supply in several areas of the capital, leaving thousands of residents without electricity.
How does the current energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has a significant impact on daily life, as it affects food refrigeration, water supply, and telecommunications, increasing frustration and social discontent among the population. Furthermore, the lack of electricity has led to security issues and has impeded rescue efforts in cases of building collapses.
What is the current situation of the electricity supply in Havana?
Currently, only 30.5% of Havana's electricity demand has been met, with 57 connected circuits totaling 117.53 MW. The Havana Electric Company continues to work to restore service throughout the rest of the city, but the situation remains critical.
What measures are being taken to resolve the energy crisis in Cuba?
Although plans have been announced to modernize the electrical infrastructure with the support of China, the lack of investment and the country's economic conditions hinder the implementation of effective solutions. Authorities continue to work on stabilizing the system, but the energy crisis still significantly affects the population.
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