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The United States Embassy in Havana issued a security alert this Saturday following a massive blackout that affected the entire island on Friday due to a failure at one of the country's main power plants.
At 11:00 a.m. (local time) on Saturday, March 15, electrical service had still not been restored, and no estimated date for its recovery has been reported so far. Additionally, there are reports of outages in internet and cellular phone service, complicating communications on the island, as highlighted in the statement from the diplomatic mission posted on Facebook.
"It is expected that emergency services will continue, but all U.S. citizens in Cuba or planning to travel to Cuba should stay informed and plan accordingly based on this situation," the text adds.
It also emphasizes that Cuba's electrical grid is "increasingly unstable, and multiple power outages have been occurring throughout the country since October 18, 2024"; while warning that "the electrical system remains vulnerable, and additional interruptions have been happening more frequently and for longer periods."
The embassy provides emergency contacts for its citizens: Phone: +(53) (7) 839-4100 and Email: acshavana@state.gov.
The day before, the Ministry of Energy and Mines of Cuba reported that the general disconnection of the National Electric System (SEN) occurred due to a malfunction at the Diezmero substation, causing a massive loss of electric generation in the western part of the island and, consequently, the total collapse of the system. Efforts are currently underway to restore the service.
Since October 2024, Cuba has faced multiple power outages, both scheduled and unexpected, impacting the population and key sectors such as commerce and health.
According to citizen reports on social media, electricity has failed in Havana, Guantánamo, Matanzas, Villa Clara, Camagüey, Holguín, and Las Tunas, among other provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Massive Blackout in Cuba and Warnings from the U.S.
Why did the U.S. Embassy in Cuba issue a security alert?
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba issued a security alert due to a massive power outage that affected the entire island due to a malfunction at one of the main power plants. The alert aims to inform American citizens in Cuba or planning to travel there about the situation and recommend that they take precautions.
What is the current situation of the electrical grid in Cuba?
The electrical grid in Cuba is becoming increasingly unstable, with frequent and prolonged power outages since October 2024. This has impacted homes, businesses, hospitals, and essential services across the island, and the restoration of service remains uncertain.
How can U.S. citizens in Cuba receive assistance during the blackout?
The U.S. Embassy in Havana has provided emergency contact information for its citizens: Phone: +(53) (7) 839-4100 and Email: acshavana@state.gov. Additionally, it is recommended to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and information about Cuba.
What measures are being taken to restore electricity service in Cuba?
Currently, efforts are underway to restore the service by creating "microsystems" in various provinces. However, electric generation remains insufficient to meet demand, complicating a quick and complete recovery of the National Electric System (SEN).
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