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The Electric Union of Cuba (UNE) reported that at 9:14 AM this Wednesday, there was a total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), causing a nationwide blackout.
In a brief official statement, the state entity confirmed the collapse of the system, which occurred just a few days after the eastern region of Cuba was left completely in the dark last Sunday.
In a recent post, the UNE confirmed the cause: "Failure of the National Electroenergetic System due to the unexpected shutdown of the CTE Antonio Guiteras," the same reason for previous widespread blackouts, on a day that had forecasted an impact of 1,790 MW.
From the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), in a post on X, the cause was confirmed, although it was emphasized that further investigation into the causes would take place.
The restoration process has already begun, emphasized the brief statement.
Just hours after the massive blackout that affected eastern Cuba, the government acknowledged last Monday that the electrical system situation is “severe” and that the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas will need to stop operations in the coming months for maintenance.
The announcement foresees greater impacts on the service and, in retrospect, seems to have been a harbinger of the new widespread blackout that is affecting the entire island this Wednesday.
The information was shared by official journalist Ana Teresa Badía, who provided details on Facebook about the press conference led by Lázaro Guerra Hernández, General Director of Electricity at MINEM, and Alfredo López Valdés, General Director of UNE.
In the midst of this situation, the UNE justified this week the prolonged blackouts throughout the country by stating that many thermal power plants have been in operation for over 40 years without having received the necessary major maintenance cycles.
According to López, the extreme aging of the units has seriously complicated technical interventions, leading to delays and unforeseen failures.
“It is very difficult to accurately predict the time it will take to repair, because when you start taking things apart, you begin to encounter issues that were not originally anticipated,” stated López Valdés in a statement broadcast by the official media Canal Caribe.
This general collapse of the SEN is the second to occur in 2025. The previous one was reported in March due to a malfunction at the Diezmero substation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blackouts in Cuba and the Energy Crisis
Why did the general blackout occur in Cuba on September 10, 2025?
The general blackout was caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant, which led to the collapse of the National Electric System (SEN). Such collapses have occurred before, reflecting the structural deterioration of the Cuban energy system.
What is the Cuban government doing to restore electricity?
The Cuban government, through the Electric Union (UNE), is implementing a recovery strategy using "microsystems." These microsystems provide power to specific areas and essential centers while efforts are being made to restore generation at thermoelectric plants. However, it has not been specified when service will be fully restored across the country.
What are the underlying causes of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is due to a combination of recurring failures in thermal power plants, fuel shortages, and maintenance issues in the infrastructure. Additionally, many thermal plants have been in operation for over 40 years, there is a chronic shortage of fuel, and there is a lack of qualified technical personnel, which exacerbates the situation.
What is the impact of blackouts on the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts severely impact the quality of life in Cuba, affecting water supply, food preservation, access to health services, education, and work life. Furthermore, they have led to social unrest and protests in several provinces due to the lack of effective solutions from the government.
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