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The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, boasted on Wednesday that the government has a well-defined strategy to cope with the total collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) – though not to prevent it – which occurred in the morning following the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Plant in Matanzas.
“We have a well-defined strategy to address this situation and the professionalism of UNE workers to advance, as quickly as possible, in restoring the system,” Marrero wrote on his profile on X, where he also stated that the public will be kept informed about the recovery process, although this does not guarantee the promptness of the actions let alone their effectiveness.
In another post, the Prime Minister –so far one of the few who has stepped up– confirmed that he is at the National Cargo Office, accompanied by technicians and executives from the electrical sector, to assess the causes of the collapse and directly oversee the restoration efforts.
Previously, Cuba's Electric Union (UNE) had informed on Facebook about Marrero's "visit" to the National Load Dispatch.
The note emphasized that the Prime Minister was discussing "with the Director General of the Electric Union about the unexpected disconnection of the National Electric System."
In addition, they reported that "joint actions are being taken with the highest authorities in the country for the recovery of the system."
As Cuba faces a new massive blackout, millions of citizens are grappling with the direct consequences of the collapse of the electrical system: food at risk of spoiling, interruptions in basic services, and a population weary from the energy instability that defines daily life.
However, when the country remains in darkness, President Miguel Díaz-Canel focused his attention this Wednesday on another atrocity.
On his account on X, he wrote: “Every day the world wakes up to news of bombings in #Gaza, of targeted killings and extrajudicial executions…”, questioning whether “barbarism is being normalized.”
The Chancellor Bruno Rodríguez stated on X that "the Party and the Government are continuously monitoring and keeping a close watch on this situation," referring to the massive blackout affecting the country.
However, for millions of Cubans affected by the energy crisis, the issue is not that the PCC "monitors," but that real and urgent solutions are provided to ensure electrical stability and alleviate daily uncertainty.
The First Secretary of the PCC in Santiago de Cuba, Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, announced on X that in the province “actions are already underway to address the disconnection from the National Electroenergetic System,” which occurred this Wednesday, September 10.
This is the second massive blackout of the year in Cuba. The previous one occurred in March, while last Sunday a partial blackout caused a complete service cut in the eastern part of the country, due to a severe disruption of the system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Crisis of the National Electric System in Cuba
What was the cause of the last massive blackout in Cuba?
The last massive blackout in Cuba was caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant. This incident led to a complete failure of the National Electric System (SEN), affecting the entire island. The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant is one of the main electricity generators in Cuba, so its disconnection severely impacts the national electrical system.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz stated that the government has a well-defined strategy to address the decline of the National Electric System. Actions are being taken in conjunction with the highest authorities in the country to restore the system. However, despite these statements, the effectiveness and speed of the proposed solutions continue to be questioned by the population suffering the repercussions of the energy crisis.
How many massive blackouts has Cuba experienced in 2025?
Cuba has experienced two massive blackouts in 2025, with the first occurring in March and the second in September. These blackouts reflect the structural problems and lack of maintenance within the national electric system, which relies on an obsolete and overloaded thermal power plant.
Why is the Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant crucial for the Cuban electrical system?
The Antonio Guiteras Thermal Power Plant is crucial because it is the largest single unit of electricity generation in Cuba, with a substantial nominal capacity that contributes a significant portion of electricity to the National Electric System (SEN). However, its age and lack of proper maintenance make it vulnerable to failures, which severely impacts the country's electricity supply.
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