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Cuba woke up this Wednesday virtually in the dark following a failure at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant in Matanzas, which caused a nationwide blackout; in response to the collapse of the national electrical system, the regime announced that emergency systems are now activated in several areas of the country.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) confirmed the creation of "micro-systems" to ensure service at certain objectives deemed vital.
According to the first secretary of the Communist Party in Matanzas, Mario Sabines Lorenzo, the shutdown of the plant was due to a “false signal in the automatic system” that necessitated halting operations.
Meanwhile, the official claims that the Guiteras is ready for a restart as soon as the power arrives to restart the system.
The government has ordered the establishment of small independent electrical circuits, known as microsystems, intended to keep strategic facilities in operation across various regions, such as hospitals, water distribution centers, and military installations.
However, the population remains without access to electricity in most provinces.
The Cuban Electric Union (UNE) reported that at 9:14 AM on Wednesday, there was a complete failure of the National Electric System (SEN), resulting in a widespread blackout across the island.
The system collapse occurred just a few days after last Sunday when eastern Cuba was left completely in the dark.
Although last year the regime promised to change the strategy to ensure "stability" of the SEN in case of disconnection, the energy crisis is worsening and is resulting in longer and more frequent blackouts.
The thermoelectric plants, outdated and poorly maintained, cannot meet the national demand. To this, delays in the arrival of imported fuel are added, turning any breakdown into a nationwide catastrophe.
For the citizens, the official solution through "microsystems" is barely a patch on a collapsed system. While a few receive energy based on political priority criteria, the vast majority of Cubans endure long hours without electricity, with the consequent impact on access to food, transportation, and communications.
The general blackout has reignited social outrage against a government incapable of ensuring a basic service after more than six decades of absolute centralization.
The promise to resume operations at Guiteras does not ease the frustration of a people who associate each new power outage with the failure of a model that refuses to allow real solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions about the General Blackout in Cuba and the Energy Crisis
What caused the nationwide blackout in Cuba on September 10, 2025?
The nationwide blackout was caused by a failure at the Antonio Guiteras thermal power plant in Matanzas, due to a "false signal in the automatic system" that forced operations to halt. This situation resulted in the complete collapse of the National Electric System (SEN), affecting almost the entire country.
What are the "microsystems" that the Cuban government implemented?
"Microsystems" are small independent electrical circuits created to maintain the operation of strategic facilities, such as hospitals and water distribution centers, during a general power outage. They serve as a temporary solution while efforts are made to restore the National Electric System.
How does the energy crisis affect the Cuban population?
The energy crisis in Cuba causes prolonged and frequent blackouts that affect access to food, transportation, and communications. The population suffers food losses due to lack of refrigeration, disruption in water supply, and difficulties in communications, which increases social unrest and indignation against the government.
What measures has the Cuban government promised to resolve the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised to implement new strategies to ensure the stability of the National Electric System, including the modernization of infrastructure and the promotion of solar projects. However, these promises have been met with skepticism due to the lack of real solutions and the ongoing deterioration of the electric system.
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